Guide · Extension wands and lances
Extension wands: ladders, power lines and pressure-off changes
What the manuals say about extension wands: no ladders or scaffolding, nothing electrical within 10 feet of the lance, and relieve pressure before any change.
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Short answer
Four rules apply to long wands. No use on ladders or scaffolding (Westinghouse) or elevated surfaces (Generac). Nothing electrical within 10 feet of the lance (Westinghouse). Stop and relieve pressure before you extend, retract or change anything. And, as the CDC says, never point the spray at yourself or others.
Ladders, scaffolding and elevated surfaces
The ladder rule comes from the tool manuals.
- Westinghouse's PWEXT manual: never use the wand on ladders or scaffolding, and keep proper balance and control of the extended wand.[1]
- Generac's manual: do not use the machine or any of its components on elevated surfaces, because of fall risk.[2]
- Champion likewise warns not to use the washer on an elevated surface where kickback could cause a serious fall.[3]
The PWEXT manual also says the nozzle's reaction force makes an extended wand flex.[1] A longer wand gives you reach from the ground; the manuals do not treat it as a reason to climb.
Some articles credit the CDC with a warning about wand recoil and ladder falls. The CDC's pressure-washer page does not cover those; it covers spray wounds, carbon monoxide, electric shock and footwear.[4] The ladder warnings above come from the makers' manuals.
Power lines and electrical sources
Westinghouse says the PWEXT wand is not insulated.[1] Its manual says never to use the wand near power lines and to keep power lines and electrical sources more than 10 feet from the lance at any time.[1] Measure from the lance, at full extension, not from where you stand.
We give no electrical advice beyond the manual's rule. If overhead lines are close to the area you want to reach, stop and call the utility or a professional.
Pressure off before any change
Westinghouse's PWEXT manual says never to extend or retract the wand, or change nozzles or accessories, while spraying or under pressure; stop the equipment and relieve pressure first.[1] It also says to hand-tighten only, with no pliers or pipe wrenches.
Champion's 100384 manual gives the sequence to depressurize:[3]
- Engage the trigger lock.
- Turn the unit off.
- Shut off the water.
- Release the latch and squeeze the trigger.
Champion also says never to disconnect the high-pressure hose while the system is pressurized.[3] Your machine's manual may add steps; follow it.
Spray wounds
The CDC warns that pressure-washer spray can cause serious wounds that may first look minor, can throw objects that injure people nearby, and that anyone with a spray wound should get medical attention as soon as possible.[4] It advises never pointing a pressure washer at yourself or others and always following the owner's manual.[4] Keep people and animals out of the area you are spraying. More in injection injuries and damaged hoses.
Support straps
RYOBI's Canadian listing says its 18 ft RY31EP26VNM telescoping pole ships with a support strap.[5] That page shows no other warnings, so read the manual that comes with the pole. The PWEXT manual mentions no strap or harness.
Wands with these manuals
Picks that fit2 products
Westinghouse PWEXT is the telescoping kit whose manual is quoted above; it is listed for Westinghouse machines and has a male M22-14 inlet.
More on choosing
SIMPSON 80479 is a fixed 31 in wand with an M22 gun connection and a 1/4 in quick-connect nozzle end. Neither changes the rules: no ladders, nothing electrical within 10 feet. On Amazon, check that Ships from / Sold by is Amazon.com or the brand.
Extension wand kit with a published model list
Westinghouse PWEXT extension wand kit for pressure washers, 4,000 PSI, 4 GPM
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Questions
Can I use a pressure washer on a ladder?
The manuals say no. Westinghouse's PWEXT manual says never to use the wand on ladders or scaffolding, and Generac's manual warns not to use the machine or any of its components on elevated surfaces because of fall risk.[1][2]
How far from power lines should a pressure washer wand be?
Westinghouse's PWEXT manual says never to use the extension wand near power lines and to make sure no power lines or electrical sources are within 10 feet of the lance at any time. It also says the wand is not insulated.[1]
Can I change nozzles while the machine is running?
No. Westinghouse's PWEXT manual says never to extend or retract the wand, or change nozzles or accessories, while spraying or under pressure; stop the equipment and relieve pressure first.[1]