Everything You Need to Know About Turnstiles

From transport hubs and stadiums to schools and corporate offices, turnstiles provide a practical and professional way to control movement while maintaining an organised and secure environment.

What Are Turnstiles?

Turnstiles are mechanical gate systems that allow one person to pass through at a time. They are typically installed at controlled access points to regulate entry and exit, helping to reduce unauthorised access and improve overall site management.

Modern access control turnstiles can operate as standalone security measures or integrate with wider access control systems such as keypads, intercoms, card readers, or ticketing systems.

Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Amusement parks: To manage large visitor numbers and paid entry
• Corporate buildings: To restrict access to secure areas
• Stadiums: Crowd Control in designated sections
• Train stations: Facilitating ticketed passenger flow
• Schools: To secure entrances and manage student movement
• Industrial sites: For required monitored pedestrian access

Types of Turnstiles

Choosing the right turnstile depends on the volume of foot traffic and the specific operational requirements of your site.

Single Turnstiles

Single turnstiles are ideal for sites with moderate pedestrian traffic. They provide controlled access while taking up less space, making them suitable for offices, schools, warehouses, and smaller commercial premises.

Their compact design allows for efficient access management without overwhelming smaller entry points.

Double Turnstiles

Double turnstiles are designed for areas with higher volumes of pedestrian movement. Featuring two lanes within one unit, they allow more people to pass through efficiently while maintaining a high level of security.

These are commonly used at stadiums, transport hubs, event venues, and busy industrial facilities where managing crowd flow is essential.

Bi-Directional and Single-Direction Movement

Turnstiles can also be configured to allow movement in one direction only or in both directions. This flexibility helps businesses tailor pedestrian flow based on operational requirements, shift changes, or entry and exit management.

Optional Overhead Canopies

For outdoor installations, both single and double turnstiles can be fitted with optional overhead canopies. These provide additional protection from weather conditions and help extend the lifespan of the access control system.

Key Features of Modern Turnstiles

Today’s access control turnstiles are engineered for durability, security, and user safety.

• Durable Construction: Manufactured from robust powder-coated mild steel, turnstiles are built to withstand daily use and harsh environments.
• Advanced Locinox Head Mechanism: Manufactured from rust-resistant stainless steel and aluminium, this mechanism delivers smooth and reliable operation.
• Electromechanical Security Systems: Modern turnstiles use lockable electromechanical modules powered by strong electromagnets to prevent unauthorised access attempts.
• Anti-Passback Protection: To prevent tailgating or multiple individuals from entering simultaneously, turnstiles are fitted with anti-passback safety features.
• User Safety Features: Integrated safety systems help prevent users from becoming trapped within the mechanism while maintaining smooth pedestrian movement.
• Weather and Environmental Protection: Many turnstiles are built with IP55-rated casings, protecting the internal mechanisms from dirt, dust, moisture, wind, and even interference from vermin.

Turnstile Customisation Options

One of the biggest advantages of modern turnstiles is their adaptability.

Powder-Coated Colour Options: Turnstiles are available in a variety of powder-coated finishes, allowing businesses to match their security infrastructure with existing site aesthetics or corporate branding.

Access Control Integration: For enhanced security, turnstiles can be integrated with additional access control systems such as:

• Access keypads
• Intercom systems
• Card readers
• Ticketing systems

These integrations allow access to be restricted exclusively to authorised personnel or paying visitors.

LED Passage Indicators: Optional LED passage indicators can improve visibility and user experience, especially in low-light conditions or busy environments. These indicators clearly show whether a lane is available for entry or exit, helping to optimise pedestrian flow and reduce confusion.

LED indicators can be configured depending on the number of lanes and directional requirements.

Choosing the Right Security for Your Site

Before making a purchase, it is important to consider:

• The expected level of pedestrian traffic
• Whether indoor or outdoor installation is required
• Required access control integrations
• Single or bi-directional movement
• Available installation space
• Desired level of security

By choosing the correct configuration and customisation options, businesses can create an efficient access control system tailored to their exact operational needs.

Let Us Help

If you need to discuss your next project or get more information, contact the First Fence team. Reach us by:

• Phone on 01283 512 111
• Email sales@firstfence.co.uk
• Open a live chat on our website