Turnstiles at a glance: The different types, security levels, applications and costs
Do you know your Speedgates from your Barrier Arms? Fear not! We’re here to offer a helping hand.
If you’re reading this, the likelihood is you already have an idea of what entrance control turnstiles are, and you probably know you need them. But, with so many options on the market today, and with different environments facing a range of evolving security threats, which type of turnstile best suits your project?
Here you’ll find a brief overview of the range of turnstiles available to you, along with simple to understand information about their ideal applications, security levels and cost, to help you specify the most suitable solution.
Speedgates:
Description:
This type of turnstile is the most common option today, increasingly replacing the traditional tripod turnstile and other options due to its greater throughput. A typical Speedgate features vertical glass barriers as a physical deterrent, and the barriers either retract into the turnstile pedestal or operate in a swing motion when an authorised credential is presented, granting access. Speedgates use the very latest in high tech entrance control systems for pedestrian throughput, ensuring only one person gains access for each authorised card presented. They are as simple to use as they are pleasing to the eye and offer a wide range of design choices to complement your environment.
Applications:
High-end corporate offices, leisure facilities such as gyms, healthcare environments, libraries, museums, and luxury hotels.
Advantages:
High throughput, smooth operation, aesthetic design, and enhanced security with tailgating detection and different height barriers available (from waist to full height).
Cost:
£££
Case study:
Providing multi-layer security for a leading energy provider occupying a multi-tenant building
Full-Height Turnstiles:
Description:
A high security entrance gate serving as a strong physical and psychological deterrent, as well as offering reassurance to those working within or visiting buildings which can be considered to be under growing threat. May feature either a single or dual barrier (sometimes referred to as a ‘mantrap’), depending on the level of security required.
Applications:
Often specified for high-profile public-sector buildings, and high-security areas such as prisons, data centres and airports. Ideal for those requiring a highly visible yet still attractive security option.
Advantages:
Ensure a high security level.
Cost:
£££
Case study:
High Security Demands Within a Limited Floorspace – No Problem for Fastlane!
Barrier Arm Turnstiles:
Description:
Designed with the latest infrared technology to optimise and monitor the throughput of individuals entering and exiting a building, the barrier arm provides a physical deterrent which is both visually off-putting to potential intruders as well as actually functioning to stop any unauthorised passage.
Applications:
Reception areas or lift lobbies, public transportation and stadiums.
Advantages:
Great where space is limited but an effective access control is still required.
Cost:
££
Case study:
Touchless turnstiles facilitate a safe return to high profile Manhattan skyscraper post pandemic
Tripod Turnstiles:
Description:
A traditional type of turnstile with three metal arms that can rotate in one or two directions, allowing one person to pass through at a time.
Applications:
Often found in outdoor environments such as amusement parks and sporting venues, as well as public transportation stations and office buildings.
Advantages:
Cost-effective, robust, and reliable.
Cost:
£
Optical Turnstiles:
Description:
The term optical turnstile describes an entrance control unit that monitors passage using infra-red beams and responds to unauthorised entry by alerting guards. Even without a physical barrier, optical units maintain a similar level of security as a waist-height Speedgate and are designed to alert security staff to unauthorised entry attempts – such as tailgating, collusion, non-entry and obstruction – by triggering an audible alarm and controlling other security measures such as CCTV systems, lighting and locking doors.
Applications:
Corporate offices and other lower-security areas where aesthetics and high throughput are important.
Advantages:
Fast throughput, elegant design, and minimal physical barriers.
Cost:
£
Case study:
From security to monitoring and control: the added value of Optical turnstiles
Entrance Gates:
Description:
Entrance Gates are typically provided for a wide access point within an entrance control system, for general access requiring a wider than DDA compliant lane.
Applications:
Accessible entrances for all users, VIP access points, and areas where the movement of baggage or large items is frequent.
Advantages:
Wide passage, suitable for people with reduced mobility, and aesthetically pleasing.
Cost:
££
Case study:
Fastlane knocks entrance control out of the park!
Each type of turnstile is designed to meet specific security and operational requirements, making them versatile tools for managing access in various environments. Designed and built to order in-house, and utilising state of the art engineering, our stylish range of Fastlane turnstiles can be seamlessly integrated with all known access control systems and is unrivalled in terms of breadth of choice, with products to meet a wide variety of needs, budgets and design ideals.
All of our products are highly customisable, allowing us to accommodate your architectural and design specifications whilst still maintaining the level of security you require. Bespoke alterations are available in terms of pedestal shape, material finishes and reader integration, to suit any indoor environment.
If you’d like to discuss your project’s turnstile requirements, our team is on hand to help you. Get in touch with us via +44 (0)208 890 5550 or info@fastlane-turnstiles.com. And, if you’d like to see our range in operation, ask about visiting our demo suite and manufacturing facility in West London.
