When it comes to safeguarding buildings and facilities, Turnstile Entry System have emerged as one of the most effective options for controlling access of employees and visitors.

1. Benefits of Turnstile Entry System
Ensuring security has become a paramount concern in today's world. With the increasing risks of
unauthorized access, both in terms of physical intrusion and data breaches, companies are
recognizing the need for enhanced security measures. When it comes to safeguarding buildings and
facilities, Turnstile Entry System have emerged as one of the most effective options for controlling
access of employees and visitors.
Advantages of Full Height Turnstiles Compared to Doors
Turnstiles offer several advantages over traditional doors, including improved security, seamless
integration with access control systems, and increased operational flexibility.
Enhanced Security
Unlike doors, turnstiles provide superior access control by actively detecting and deterring
unauthorized entries. While doors can be secured with card or biometric readers and electric locks,
they fail to control the duration of door openings or the number of individuals entering. This often
leads to security vulnerabilities, such as "tailgating," where unauthorized individuals follow
authorized personnel through the door. Additionally, doors cannot regulate the direction of
authorized passage. For instance, if a door is activated for entry, it cannot prevent simultaneous
exits.
In contrast, turnstiles can limit the number of people entering or exiting on each valid credential and
control the direction of passage. To gain entry through a turnstile, individuals must present a valid
credential, which triggers the barriers to unlock temporarily, allowing one person to pass before
promptly relocking. Some turnstiles even possess advanced detection features to identify and alert
against tailgating, loitering, and forced passage. Unauthorized entry attempts trigger alarms,
notifying users and the control center of the security breach.
Access Control Integration

2. Turnstile Entry System seamlessly integrate with a building's access control system, working in
conjunction with doors, cameras, and other security equipment to ensure only authorized individuals
can enter the premises. The access control system provides valuable information, such as the specific
identity, time, and location of each person entering and exiting the facility. This live data assists
management in tracking visitors, identifying potential security threats, and pinpointing alarm
locations.
When a user presents their credential, the access control system communicates with the turnstile to
verify the credential's validity and authorize passage. Once passage occurs, the turnstile immediately
communicates back to the access control system, acknowledging the completed passage. In case of
invalid credentials, the access control system signals the turnstile to notify the user of the rejection.
In the event of an alarm activation at the turnstile, the turnstile and access control system can work
together to alert security, activate nearby cameras, and lock down appropriate turnstiles and
secondary doors.
Operational Flexibility
Full Height Turnstiles enhance facility operations by streamlining the entry process. They can
accommodate a wide range of credential readers, allowing facilities to utilize various media types,
including barcodes, magnetic stripes, proximity cards (RFID/NFC), or biometrics, to authorize entry.
With readers installed on the turnstiles, users can present their credentials independently, reducing
the burden on receptionists and security guards who can then focus on their primary responsibilities
rather than credential verification.
Turnstiles can operate in a single direction or bi-directionally, offering independent passage modes
for each direction, including free pass, controlled passage, or locked down. Free pass mode enables
entry without authorization, commonly used when users do not need to present a credential to exit.
Controlled passage requires a valid credential for entry. Locked down mode keeps the turnstile
locked, disallowing entry even with a valid credential.
Management can schedule specific modes to activate at certain times of the day to meet operational
requirements. For example, more turnstiles may be set to entry-only during morning hours when
employees arrive at work and then switched to exit-only in the afternoon when employees leave.
Turnstiles can also be locked down at night and on weekends when the facility is closed. Typically,
turnstile modes are configured through the access control system or, in the case of advanced
turnstiles, controlled remotely using an application on the facility's network.
Additional Considerations Emergencies and Power Outages
During power outages, turnstiles may lose functionality unless backed up by alternate power
sources. As part of a facility's emergency response protocol, the access control system can also
remove power from the turnstiles.
Depending on the configuration, turnstiles default to either fail-safe or fail-secure (sometimes called
fail-lock) mode in the event of power loss. Fail-safe means the turnstile unlocks or opens and remains
in that state when unpowered, allowing users to freely exit without authorization. Fail-secure means
the turnstile remains locked when unpowered, preventing any entry or exit through that entrance.
The typical configuration is fail-secure in the entrance direction and fail-safe in the exit direction,
maintaining security by preventing unauthorized entry while allowing personnel inside to exit the
facility.
ADA Compliance

3. Meeting ADA requirements to accommodate handicapped users is an essential consideration. Some
turnstile types, such as optical turnstiles, offer wider, ADA-compliant passage widths to
accommodate wheelchairs. For turnstiles without this option, a security gate with an ADA-compliant
width can be installed alongside the turnstile. Either solution enables facilities to maintain security
while providing access for disabled users and deliveries.
Installation and Maintenance
The layout, size, number of users, and traffic patterns in the installation area determine the required
number of turnstiles. Smaller areas may only require one or two turnstiles, while high-traffic areas
may necessitate a larger number to meet the facility's needs. Multi-lane configurations can
incorporate standard and ADA-compliant width lanes, as well as pedestrian security gates. In
addition to turnstiles and gates, modular barriers or fencing may be necessary to fill any remaining
spaces between turnstiles and other fixed objects.
It is crucial for contractors and installers to understand that not all turnstiles are equal. While
manufacturers typically use durable materials like stainless steel and acrylics, the quality and specific
features can vary significantly. Turnstiles may ship fully assembled and ready for installation, or they
may require substantial assembly on-site. Being aware of this information in advance can save time
and resources during the installation process.
Other considerations include confirming the manufacturing location, shipping origin, and available
support resources from the factory or authorized dealer network. Unlike manufacturers, resellers
may not have adequate resources to support installers or end-users after the sale. Partnering with
knowledgeable experts can help clients select the appropriate equipment and ensure pre-installation
requirements, such as anchoring, power, and communication conduits, are met.
Choosing the Right Turnstile for Your Application
Turnstiles can be categorized into three primary types: optical turnstiles, full-height turnstiles, and
waist-high turnstiles. The choice of turnstile depends on factors such as indoor or outdoor use,
desired security level, budget, required features, and aesthetic preferences.
Optical Turnstiles:
Consist of two cabinets creating a passage lane.
Use sensors to detect and track individuals passing through.
Can operate with or without barriers, depending on security needs.
Ideal for corporate lobbies, multi-tenant buildings, university recreation centers, and modern health
clubs.
Provide bi-directional access control, various barrier types and heights, and detection features.
Accommodate handicapped users.
Suitable for indoor use.
Higher cost compared to traditional mechanical alternatives.
Barrier-free options offer lower-level security.
In conclusion, turnstiles offer significant benefits over traditional doors in terms of security, access
control integration, and operational flexibility. By implementing turnstile secured entry points,