Electrical Safety Testing
Independently tested in a 100,000V lab
No verified testing
For more than 25 years, Ionic has led the way in keeping window cleaners safe – from removing ladders with Reach & Wash®, to crash-tested van-mounted systems, to BS:8020-approved insulated poles.
Our Commitment to Safety since 1997
25 years of innovation, one clear mission – protecting window cleaners. View our full timeline here.
Upon leaving the RAF, Craig Mawlam began his window cleaning business. Cleaning residential properties with a squeegee and a ladder.
The business now solely provides high-level rope access window cleaning, prompting the decision to change the name to Over The Top Ltd.
Drawing upon his success, Craig turned his attention to manufacturing temporary anchorage equipment for abseiling - Tested to BS EN795 and providing training for other window cleaners.
Initial development of the Reach & Wash system begins.
Over The Top (OTT) launches the Reach & Wash™ system and the British Window Cleaning Academy (BWCA) is launched.
In the wake of news of 2 deaths by electrocution in the USA. OTT launches the world's first carbon fibre waterfed pole, with an electrically insulating glass fibre handle section.
The year we completed full crash testing of our van mounted systems. We remain to be one of the only suppliers to achieve the FMVSS-208 safety standard.
Ionic Systems take the innovative step of developing all their waterfed poles to adhere to the BS:8020 electrical insulation standard.
Ionic Systems introduce the Foamion; an innovative solution to reduce chemical overspray during soft washing. Allowing businesses to easily provide this profitable service to their customers.
Ionic has developed and released the Roof Wand™, the safest and most effective method of cleaning a roof, utilising the same concept as the Reach & Wash™ system - removing the need to wok from height.
Ionic has gone a step further in creating a waterfed pole that window cleaners can trust their lives with. Now rated safe up to 50kV (carbon fibre) & up to 80kV for the glass fibre models.
Most poles only carry a warning sticker. Hydra poles were tested in an independent laboratory capable of generating up to 100,000 volts, proving their resilience far beyond real-world risk.
Carbon fibre Hydra poles — safe for use up to 50,000 volts
Glass fibre Hydra poles — safe for use up to 80,000 volts
Each pole features our Dual Protector handle
– Jason Knight
Jason Knight was cleaning near overhead power lines when 11,000 volts of electricity went through his pole. He survived — but with life-changing injuries.
Since then, Jason has been working with Ionic Systems to push the industry into real action — calling for manufacturers to create genuinely safer products rather than simply limiting their liability with a warning label.
Hydra poles are the result: independently tested, proven safe, and engineered to protect window cleaners from the kind of accident that changed Jason’s life forever.
A warning label just doesn’t cut it. We built a real safeguard.
Independently tested in a 100,000V lab
50,000V (carbon), 80,000V (glass)
Dual Protector BS:8020 compliant
No verified testing
Unverified
No standard
A warning label just doesn’t cut it. We built a real safeguard.
Independently tested in a 100,000V lab
No verified testing
50,000V (carbon), 80,000V (glass)
Unverified
Dual Protector BS:8020 compliant
No standard
Hydra poles don’t compromise on strength, reach, or usability.
Engineered for professional window cleaners, they combine superior rigidity, lightweight carbon construction, and genuine high-voltage protection.
Key features:
Ultra-lightweight carbon or glass fibre
High-pressure hose compatibility
Dual Protector insulated handle
Modular construction for maintenance and upgrade flexibility
Available in multiple lengths for domestic and commercial use
Hydra poles are the only waterfed poles independently tested in a laboratory capable of generating up to 100,000 volts.
While other brands have added warning stickers to reduce liability, Ionic invested in research, design, and testing to engineer genuine electrical protection.
Hydra poles are verified safe for use up to 50,000 volts (carbon fibre) and 80,000 volts (glass fibre) — giving professional window cleaners real assurance, not empty claims.
It means the Hydra range was tested by a certified third-party laboratory using calibrated high-voltage equipment — not an in-house or simulated test.
The testing environment was capable of producing up to 100,000 volts, confirming Hydra’s performance under extreme electrical stress.
Yes. Since 2017, every Ionic Systems pole has been manufactured with a BS:8020-approved insulated coating, providing a recognised level of electrical protection.
Hydra goes beyond the standard by adding independent verification and lab-tested proof, setting a new benchmark for safety in the window-cleaning industry.
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