Use and Care Guide

Section 4
FINDING A SUITABLE LOCATION
5
STEP 4. If there is no ceiling and the access
ladder will fit between the joists so that
no joists need to be cut
, go to
Section 7 “FRAMING THE ROUGH
OPENING” on page 8–9.
If there is no ceiling, but one or more
joists need to be cut
, go to Section 6
“CUTTING THE CEILING JOISTS” on
page 7.
If there is a ceiling at this location, you
will need to inspect the access area
above this location as described in steps
5 and 6.
STEP 5. Go into the overhead space and find the
area above your chosen location. This
area may be located by:
1) listening for tapping from
below, or
2) measuring distances from walls or
other objects common to the
overhead space and the
room below.
WARNING: Do not drive metal nails or other
conductive objects into the ceiling unless you are
sure they will not contact electric wires. Contact
with an electric wire can be deadly.
STEP 6. At this location in the overhead space:
a. Check that there is enough space for you to safely move around
during installation.
b. Check the overhead space for storage space adjacent to the chosen location. If walking
or crawling in the overhead space is desired, make sure that there is enough room to do so.
c. Check above your chosen location for hazards and obstructions such as:
– electric wires
– pipes
– heating and cooling ducts
– furnaces
– hot water heaters or other
obstructions
Note: To check for hazards, you will need to move insulation away from your chosen location.
Wear a dust mask, safety goggles, and gloves and keep your body covered to prevent fine cuts
from fiberglass. Gently push aside insulation to avoid stirring up dust that may be harmful to your
eyes and lungs.
STEP 7. If any hazards or obstructions are present at your chosen location, look for another location or have
the hazards or obstructions moved by professionals (see the Yellow Pages under “Electrical Contractors,
Heating and Cooling Contractors, and Plumbing Contractors”).
WARNING
For your safety, watch out for overhead hazards.
Do not stand or sit on the ceiling or insulation
covering the ceiling — the ceiling is not made
to support your weight. You can fall through
the ceiling even though it looks solid! Only
the joists can support weight.
Watch out for sharp nails sticking through
the roof.
Table 1
SC LS FC FF
W2208
W2508 7'
min. 7' 4"
min.
WH2208 5' 2" 6' 5" to to
WH2508 8' 5"
max. 8' 9" max.
WH3008
W2210
W2510 8' 5"
min. 8' 9"
min.
WH2210 6' 2" 7' 3" to to
WH2510 10' 3" max. 10' 6"
max.
WH3010
Access Ladder
Model
Number