POLE BARN ATTIC WORK

[KB9UDE]

Hey guys,

We are getting started working on the electric in our new 40x64 pole barn. I need to run all the overhead electric by walking around in the trusses that are spread 8 feet apart. What size lumber do I need to lay across the trusses so that I can walk the length of the building? I was thinking 2x10 or 2x12. I am 300 plus pounds and dont feel like it breaking and falling almost 20 feet so I am asking for advice.


I will be running EMT conduit up the walls and through the attic areas.

 

[gwjd]

we make walking boards with 1/4 inch osb with 2x2s in a grid in between and glue the tension is held in cheek buy the bottom piece of osb.....

you can make 16feet from one 1/4 inch sheet of osb and a few 2x4s riped down ..

in my they are stronger and lighter than 2x12 in my opinion we made a set of lawn tractor ramps for a pickup with this idea

o and try it a foot off the ground first....

 

[ray66v]

Have you considered working off of a rolling scaffolding?

That's how I would do it.

I am not sure I would be comfortable with lumber for planks on an 8" span, for a guy your size.

They would likely work, but all you need is one bad one, or one to move, and your on the way down.

I made a misstep walking trusses, and fell 10' to a concrete floor this year, I don't recommend it.

 

[KB9UDE]

We dont have concrete poured yet or I would be using scaffolding. I need these boards in place for future use anyway for in the future for after we install the ceiling

 

[CompactTractorFan]

In our attic we just cut up some pieces of OSB up and moved it where we needed it...We're not exactlay "light" either...:ashamed:

 

[KB9UDE]

That works fine in a 2ft on center stick built building but I am working with 8ft spans between the trusses.

 

[HiTechTed]

I'm about 235 lbs, and even a 2x12 at that span would probably be too bouncy for my liking.

Have you considered checking a local tool rental place and see if they have aluminum scaffolding? Like this:

Werner Scaffolding

Actually after you consider buying a lot of 2x12's this might be a good choice for you to purchase for yourself. Maybe find one used, or like I mentioned, rent one if possible. For what you are doing, if you bought one it might actually pay for itself, or you could re-sell it after you are done, etc.

 

[smstonypoint]

If scaffolding is out, I would bite the bullet and buy an 18' or 20' step ladder. They are not cheap, but falling 20 feet isn't either. You could recoup a portion (most) of the ladder's cost by selling it on CL when your work is completed.

Just my :2cents:

Steve

 

[JerryK]

I would opt for the stepladder, too. You will be getting back up there once and awhile and you will put it to use. I have 10 foot ceilings in my barn [about 10.5'] and I have an eight foot and a 12 foot ladder. I think the 12 foot cost $175, and it's a heavy duty fiberglass class A ladder.....worth every penny when you need it. Works great for working outside on the barn and house, too. The ground gets harder as you get older... I also have 4 foot centers with just two by four runners to walk on. Also have lights on pull chains and electric duplexes the whole length up there. [ old retired guy ]

 

[ray66v]

Why use a step ladder here?

You can use an extension ladder.

More stable, easier to move, cheaper, and more useful.