sellwood P30 User manual

Important
Strong springs aid the operation of these ladders! Care must be exercised during
installation and operation so these springs are not released in an uncontrolled manner as
this could lead to damage to the ladder and personal injury to the operator/installer.
These instructions are not intended to be a complete lesson in the installing of attic
ladders but a procedural guide to competent tradespeople or DIYers.
Tools Required
The timbertight screws supplied with this ladder require a 5/16” socket for easy
installation. Apart from this, only standard carpentry tools are required.
Choosing The Location
When choosing the location for the installation of the attic ladder, a compromise between
where you would like it to be located in relation to the floor plan and what is possible in
relation to the roof structure may be required. The considerations for this compromise are:
• Choose a location that will give good head room at the top of the ladder;
• Choose a location with good access at the bottom of the ladder;
• Choose a location that will allow for movement around the ladder when in the down
position;
• Allowance must be made for the operation of the ladder, as it requires a greater
space to open than indicated by the opening in the ceiling (figure 1);
Model Required Opening Landing space Projection Stack
P30 1300mm x 600mm 1095mm - 1414mm 1770mm 320mm
P36 1300mm x 600mm 1418mm - 1667mm 1763mm 410mm
D28 1400mm x 650mm 1337mm - 1634mm 1854mm 400mm
D30 1450mm x 650mm 1362mm - 1770mm 1994mm 400mm
D36 1450mm x 650mm 1770mm - 2055mm 1995mm 525mm
Q24 835mm x 650mm 1005mm - 1076mm 1238mm 420mm
• The area for the opening must be clear of wiring, plumbing and structural members
such as beams and trusses with a minimum stack height above the ceiling (figure 2).
Preparing The Opening
1. Mark out on the ceiling the opening required for the model ladder purchased in the
selected position. Cut out the ceiling lining ensuring that the opening is square.
2. Using timber of a compatible size to the existing ceiling framing (ie 90 x 45 or 140
x 45 H1.2 treated, machine gauged radiata pine), frame up the opening. It may
be necessary to cut through some existing ceiling joists to achieve the required
size. Ensure these are properly supported during and after cutting. Three possible
arrangements are shown in figures 3, 4 & 5.
3. Do not cut trusses without engineering approval.
Stack
Landing Space
Projection
figure 1
figure 2
figure 3
figure 4
figure 5
Installation Instructions
P30 | P36 | D28 | D30 | D36 | Q24

Preparing The Ladder
1. Remove the ladder from its packaging.
2. Place ladder on bench or saw stool with the lid facing up.
3. Fit the screw eye to the pre-drilled hole in lid (figure 6.)
Installing The Ladder
1. Screw four temporary cleats approx 80mm x 40mm into your timber frame
(figure 7). Ensure cleats can be rotated.
The cleats must be securely fixed as they carry the full weight of the ladder.
Note: If the ladder is to be installed before the ceiling lining is in place, the cleats
must be packed down the thickness of the intended ceiling lining.
2. Lift the ladder through the opening into the attic space. Then lower down squarely
into the opening so the lid of the ladder rests on the temporary cleats. This is
normally best done from below. For safety and ease it is highly recommended that
two people complete this step. Rotate the cleats o the lid and onto the frame of the
ladder.
3. Check and confirm there is plenty of frame sitting on the cleats before proceeding
further. Adjust if necessary. The ladder must not be allowed to fall, as this could cause
serious physical injury.
4. Carefully open the ladder, checking that the frame remains securely on the cleats.
Adjust if necessary. Do not put any weight on the ladder at this stage.
5. From a step ladder or work platform (not the attic ladder), fix the hinge end of the
ladder to the ceiling framing through the predrilled holes in the hinge plate (figure 8).
Use the timbertight screws supplied. Do not fit tight yet.
6. Carefully close the ladder and check if square. Wedges or packers may be needed
at one side of the hinge strip to square the unit in the opening. This may require
reopening the ladder and loosening or tightening one of the screws a little.
7. With the ladder open, pre-drill two 6mm holes in each side of the attic ladder frame
making sure there is solid timber behind. Screw through the pre-drilled holes into the
ceiling frame (figure 9). Do not fit tight yet.
8. Remove temporary cleats.
9. Carefully close the ladder and check that the ladder frame is showing around the lid
evenly. Adjust the side fixings and fit packers as necessary between the ladder frame
and the ceiling frame. Make sure the sides stay plumb and straight.
10. Now tighten all screws and check again.
figure 6
figure 7
figure 8
figure 9

?
Adjusting The Ladder Height
1. With the top and middle sections of the ladder open and the bottom section tucked
in behind, measure the distance from the bottom of the middle section, to the floor at
the same angle as the ladder (figure 10). Do this on both sides.
2. Once you have determined the length of ‘?’ (figure 10) deduct the following:
Model Deduct
P30 38mm
P36 38mm
D28 60mm
D30 60mm
D36 60mm
Q24 35mm
3. Transfer these measurements to the front of each side of the bottom section of the
ladder. Cut at 90 degrees. You may wish to remove the bottom section to complete
this step.
Note: If the cut clashes with a tread, cut out the tread flush with the inside of the stringer.
4. Fix the rubber feet to the bottom of the ladder with the screws provided (figure 11).
5. Before climbing, make sure the ladder is fully extended and that there are no gaps
between the ladder sections.
figure 10
figure 11
figure 13
figure 12
Finishing The Ladder
1. Fix a suitable architrave around the lid (figure 12).
Note: The ladder is designed to be installed with the bottom of the frame flush with the
underside of the ceiling lining. An architrave will cover the gap between the ladder frame
and the ceiling lining while also hiding the edge of the lid from view (figure 13).
Flush with Floor
No Gap
No Gap
Too Long
Gap
Gap
Too Short

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[email protected]
0800 288 427 (ATTICS)
3/75 Apollo Drive, Rosedale
sellwood.co.nz/installation
Safety & Maintenance
Operation
• Use the control rod to pull the attic ladder down from the ceiling.
• Control the attic ladder down into its open locked position.
• Use two hands when folding the ladder sections down.
• Use two hands under the lid to pull the attic ladder out of its open
locked position before taking hold of the control rod.
• Use the control rod to control the attic ladder back up into its close
locked position in the ceiling.
• Do not allow the attic ladder to slam shut.
Usage
• Face the ladder when you are climbing up and down.
• Keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times.
• Do not exceed the stated load rating of the attic ladder.
• Do not leave young children unattended while ladder is folded down.
Maintenance
• Do not leave the ladder open for prolonged periods of time.
• Lubricate all pivot points on the ladder at least every 6 months.
• Keep the hinges and pivot points clean and clear of any debris.
• Recommended usage of the ladder is an average of 1 time per week.
sellwood.co.nz | 0800 288 427