BRK electronic EL50 User Manual

User’s Manual

Steel Fire Escape Ladder

Cat. EL50

This steel fire escape ladder is easy to use, and
provides a reliable means of escape through a
second-floor window during a home fire.

Features and Benefits

• For use in two-story homes

• Strong steel construction

• Fully assembled, ready to use

• Slip-resistant epoxy coated rungs

• Large hooks secure easily to windowsills

• Six pairs of steel rung stabilizers

• Ladder classified by Underwriters Labora­tories, Inc. as to load carrying capacity
only, 375 lb. rating.

Model

M06-4007-001 10/00

THIS USER’S MANUAL HAS BEEN RESIZED TO PRINT OUT ON 8-1/2 x 11” PAGES.

All Rights Reserved. ©2000 BRK Brands, Inc.
BRK Brands, Inc., 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
Consumer Affairs: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5pm (Central Time): [phone]
Internet: www.firstalert.com

TO WORK PROPERLY IN A FIRE EMERGENCY, THIS LADDER MUST:

EL50

Be Properly Secured To The Windowsill Before You Start Climbing Down...

• To properly support your weight and provide the needed stability while you climb down, the ladder must be
properly attached to the windowsill.

• Make sure the sill hooks rest securely on the windowsill.

• Make sure the folding crosspiece between the sill hooks is straight, and the chain does not tangle as you
lower the ladder out of the window.

CHOOSING A WINDOW

WARNING!

This escape ladder is not intended for use from second floor windows directly above first floor windows.
The rung stabilizers could break a first-floor window and cause injury.

Do not use from a
second floor window
directly above a first
floor window.

CAUTION!

You must test fit this ladder on your chosen escape window before storing it. In a fire emergency you will
not have time to determine whether or not a particular window is suitable, and using the ladder on an
unsuitable window could result in injury or death.

1. The ladder should be used ONLY from second floor windows no more than 16 feet from the ground

Be Stored Where It Is Easy To Reach Quickly...

• Do not store the ladder on another floor of your home. If you have more than one second-floor room
requiring an alternate means of escape, put a fire ladder in each room.

• Store the ladder where it can be immediately accessed--near the window, under a bed, or in the front part
of a closet.

• Make sure nothing blocks you from reaching the ladder. In a fire you have just minutes to react and take action.

• Store the ladder in its original box to keep it from becoming tangled.

Be Used On A Suitable Window...

• This ladder is intended for use in windows that are structurally safe for the intended load.

• The ladder must be used from the correct height, and there should be no obstructions along the ladder path
to the ground.

• This ladder is intended only for second-floor windows no higher than 16 feet from the ground.

• The windowsill must be no narrower than 6” (15 cm) and no wider than 10” (25 cm).

• The windowsill must be in good condition (no rotted wood, loose boards, etc.).

• The window must open easily and completely. Storm windows, screens or other types of multi-track win­dows can make it difficult to use this ladder in an emergency.

• The window should not be blocked by furniture or security devices like grills or bars.

• For details on choosing a suitable window, see the “Choosing A Window” and “Test Fitting The Ladder” inside.

Use ONLY from second floor
windows no more than 16 feet
from the ground.

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2. The window should be at least 20 inches (51 cm) wide and 32 inches (81 cm) high to give you enough
clearance to exit safely.
The windowsill width should be between a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) and a maximum of 10 inches (25
cm). Measure windowsill from outside to inside. DO NOT USE THIS FIRE ESCAPE LADDER ON

WINDOWSILLS THAT ARE TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL FOR THE HOOKS.

TEST FITTING THE LADDER

You must test fit this ladder on your chosen escape window before storing it.

1. Remove the ladder from the box and unfold the sill hooks so the folding crosspiece is positioned towards you.

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3. DO NOT USE ON A DAMAGED OR WEAK WINDOWSILL. Check windowsill for wear, rotted or loose
wood, or damage. Consult a contractor or replace windowsill BEFORE attempting to hook the fire escape
ladder to a damaged windowsill.
This ladder is intended for use in windows that are structurally safe for the intended load.

4. For safest use, there should be a clear path from the window all the way to the ground. BEFORE STORING
THE LADDER FOR AN EMERGENCY: From outside of your home, check below the window for any
obstructions. Check for trees, bushes, plants, windows, house fixtures, or any other objects in the direct
path below the chosen window.

5. Make sure the window you choose opens easily and completely. In an emergency, every minute counts.

A. The windowsill width
should be between a
minimum of 6” (15 cm) and a
maximum of 10” (25 cm).

2. Place the sill hooks firmly over the windowsill, keeping the chain and ladder rungs inside.

3. Grasp the bottom rung of the ladder (the one with the label) and lower the chain and rungs out the window,
bottom rung first.

4. Check the rung stabilizers to make sure they are securely fastened to the ladder. Tighten any loose screws
or stabilizers, and make sure there is no visible evidence of damage to any part of the ladder.

5. After you check that the ladder fits securely on the windowsill, and provides you with a viable escape path
all the way to the ground, carefully pull it back in through the window. Store the ladder in its original box as
described in “Storing The Ladder After Use”.

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