Lighting up the Rungs on the Stick

[Picc.93Truck]

So a local FD recently (within 2 years) Purchased a newer ladder. On their stick they have it fully lit up via Blue lights along the sides for the ladder, which not only looks really neat when its in the air at night, but is very functional when you have a fogged up mask coming down the ladder.

So myself and a few other guys figure we can get this done on our truck. We run a Seagrave Rear Mount, where as were going to have to draw power/follow the light system at the tip of the ladder, Making our job easier. Do you guys see any flaw's in our plan, or have any advice on the retrofitting of such lights?

Also, if anyone has done such project, and link to a Heavy Duty LED rope type light would be great!

[Tim1118]

I agree, these lighting systems are worth every penny. If I were you, I would contact Seagrave directly and ask to speak to one of the Aerial guys. They install this lighting on new trucks, and will be able to give you the best possible information regarding "how-to/watch out for/make sure to do this" type of stuff. Seagrave - (715) 823-2141

[Picc.93Truck]

Thanks Tim! I'll throw them a call and see what they have to offer for systems/advice!

[getasupply]

So a local FD recently (within 2 years) Purchased a newer ladder. On their stick they have it fully lit up via Blue lights along the sides for the ladder, which not only looks really neat when its in the air at night, but is very functional when you have a fogged up mask coming down the ladder.

So myself and a few other guys figure we can get this done on our truck. We run a Seagrave Rear Mount, where as were going to have to draw power/follow the light system at the tip of the ladder, Making our job easier. Do you guys see any flaw's in our plan, or have any advice on the retrofitting of such lights?

Also, if anyone has done such project, and link to a Heavy Duty LED rope type light would be great!

we like them on the SMEAL we saw

[firepundit]

So a local FD recently (within 2 years) Purchased a newer ladder. On their stick they have it fully lit up via Blue lights along the sides for the ladder, which not only looks really neat when its in the air at night, but is very functional when you have a fogged up mask coming down the ladder.

So myself and a few other guys figure we can get this done on our truck. We run a Seagrave Rear Mount, where as were going to have to draw power/follow the light system at the tip of the ladder, Making our job easier. Do you guys see any flaw's in our plan, or have any advice on the retrofitting of such lights?

Also, if anyone has done such project, and link to a Heavy Duty LED rope type light would be great!

Are you planing on lighting up the entire length of the aerial or just the upper fly? If you want to light the entire length up you will have to tap into the supply on each individual section unless you are planning on reeving your own cable. That said, make sure the circuit can handle it. Figure your entire amp draw and then call the ladder manufacturer to find out how many amps are available. Since the circuit goes through the swivel it might not have much reserve if only one brush was used. Further, the wire gauge might be too small for your load.

Most of these swivels are wired specifically for the planned load with little to no reserve other than the safety factor required for sound engineering.

[Nozzle nut 22]

we like them on the SMEAL we saw

Kinda looks like a stairway to heaven doesn't it?! Looks very helpful-not just for us, but for John and Jane Q. Much easier on the eyes than the old school spotlights directed up the ladder.

AFAIK, both Smeal and Ferrara offer these as standard equipment. KME's aerials have red rung lights. Sooner or later, they will all probably come lit like this.

[donethat]

So a local FD recently (within 2 years) Purchased a newer ladder. On their stick they have it fully lit up via Blue lights along the sides for the ladder, which not only looks really neat when its in the air at night, but is very functional when you have a fogged up mask coming down the ladder.

I think most all of the aerial manufactuers offer this as an option. Fairly easy to do when the aerial is being built new. Maybe a cooble job to go back and retro fit without pulling the ladder sections apart. Check with the manufactuer before getting into a retrofit.