There are many types of safety barriers used by road authorities to control vehicles and pedestrians. For example: water filled barriers, delineator posts or plastic barriers. One of the most commonly used types is a boom barrier.
Today, I will tell you what a boom barrier is and how it works. Our team has also explained the right boom barrier installation method.
Boom Barrier Meaning
People ask: What is the boom barrier system? A boom barrier is a gate that is used to control vehicle entry and exit. You will see it at parking lots, checkpoints, tolls, and building entrances.
It has a long arm and is painted with bright colors such as red, white or yellow. You can move it up to allow vehicles to pass and move down to stop them. You can operate it manually or automatically. With this tool, you can manage traffic and keep areas secure.
Why is it Called a Boom Gate
It is called a boom gate because of its long arm, called a boom. This arm acts like a pole that blocks or lets vehicles pass. Actually, the name boom is used for the whole gate.
What Are Boom Barriers Made of?
In the manufacturing of boom barriers, companies use strong and lightweight materials. The arm is usually manufactured with aluminum or steel. The base and body of the barrier are made of steel for strength. Further, some parts have plastic or rubber for safety. You can use these materials to make the barrier last longer and work safely.
Types of Boom Barrier
Boom barriers are available in different types. You can choose according to your requirements. Each type has a specific way to control vehicles and pedestrians.
Manual Boom Barrier
You can operate a manual boom barrier by hand. You can lift or lower the arm yourself to control vehicle movement. That means, it does not need electricity to work and is not expensive. You will see it in small parking lots and places with low traffic.
Automatic Boom Barrier
An automatic boom barrier works with electricity or a hydraulic system. You do not need to control it manually. Because it opens and closes automatically by the use of a remote, sensor or card system. You can use these barriers to manage traffic at tolls, busy parking lots, industrial sites and secured areas.
Boom Barrier Controller: It is the brain of an automatic boom barrier which controls the whole working.
RFID Boom Barrier
RFID boom barriers use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. This system can detect vehicles and perform action accordingly. The card or tag has a small chip which sends a signal to the reader. The reader tells the controller to lift the barrier. This lets you pass quickly without stopping.
Hydraulic Boom Barriers
Hydraulic boom barriers use hydraulic power to move up and down the arm. They work smoothly and can handle heavy traffic. Mostly, you will see them at tolls, residential areas, airports and busy entrances. These barriers are strong and work in a fast way.
Electronic Boom Barrier
An electronic boom barrier works with electricity and electronic parts. You can control it with many options such as remote, button or sensor. Its arm can move up and down automatically. You see these barriers at offices, airports or banks.
Telescopic Boom Barriers
Telescopic boom barriers have a very long adjustable arm which you can extend or close. This helps them fit wide or narrow entrances. You can operate them automatically or electronically.
Its system can detect the vehicle presence and the controller tells the arm to perform action. You will find these barriers at big parking lots, airports as well as places with wide roads.
Parking Boom Barrier
These barriers are generally used at malls and apartments. With these barriers, you can control traffic and parking efficiently. Because it can perform fast operation, work with automatic control and easy integration with parking systems. Additionally, some have ticket or card readers and others operate with sensors or RFID tags.
Solar Powered Boom Barrier
A solar-powered boom barrier works by getting the energy from the sun. Basically, it has solar panels which charge its battery to operate the arm. That’s why you can use it in places without electricity.
On top of that, it is eco-friendly, saves energy plus works automatically. You see it at parking lots, rural zones, remote areas and roads.
Fence Barrier Gate
The fence barrier gate is a type of boom barrier with a vertical fence attached to its arm. With its fence, you can block vehicles more effectively than a normal arm. This is the reason that you often see it in high-security areas.
These locations include airports, military zones, government buildings and factories. It can also raise and lower automatically or electronically to control entry.
Barcode Boom Barrier
Unlike other boom barriers, you don’t need to control its arm by hand or remotely. Because, it only opens when you scan a barcode ticket or pass. The barrier scanner will send a signal to the boom barrier controller. Then the barrier raises automatically to let you move. Hence, you can see that it can handle traffic flow in a fast and secure way.
Boom Barrier Parts Name
There are many components of boom barriers which work together to control transport flow. Below we listed the main parts of the boom barrier.
- Boom Arm: It is a visual and long horizontal part of the barrier. You can move it to stop or allow vehicles to pass.
- Support Post: It is used to hold boom arms and other parts of the barrier. The support post is made of high quality steel to handle the weight of the arm.
- Drive Mechanism: The drive mechanism makes the boom arm move up and down. It can operate with manual, hydraulic or electric systems. It is important because it controls how fast and smoothly the barrier works.
- Control System: It tells the arm when to move up or down. That’s why it is called the barin of the boom barrier. You can manage it with a remote, loop detectors, card or sensor.
- Safety Features: Boom barriers also have some extra features which provide you more safety. For example: reflective stripes or lights for visibility and special sensors to prevent accidents.
- Counterweights/Springs: Counterweights and springs provide support to the boom arm to move smoothly. They balance the weight of the arm and reduce strain on the motor.
Boom Barrier Working Principle
The whole working of the boom barrier is based on its arm and control system. When vehicles arrive near it, the arm moves up or down as required. This operation can be performed in different ways such as buttons, sensors or sometimes by person. There is also a strong AC motor attached to the barrier which makes the movement smooth.
Boom Barrier Gate Design
A boom barrier has a long horizontal arm which you can move. The arm is bright-colored and painted with red and white. You will also see reflective stripes for visibility. Well, the main body is rectangular and strong. It is made of steel.
With some barriers, you will find fences or telescopic arms for extra coverage. Furthermore, lights or sensors may be added to make its look modern and safe.
Boom Barrier Specification
Boom barrier dimensions and specifications can be different according to type and use of barrier. Following are the general characteristics of this tool.
- Arm Length: The arm of the barrier is usually 3 to 8 m long.
- Motor Power: Most boom barriers operate well with an AC motor (230 V), while some boom gates use DC power (24 V).
- Speed: The boom arm can open and close in only 1.5 to 6 seconds. But the type of motor you use with a barrier affects its working speed.
- Duty Cycle: Duty cycle shows you how long the tool can work non-stop. Almost all types of boom barriers are designed to provide a 100% duty cycle.
- Temperature Limit: Boom barriers can work well in hot or cold weather. But, the ideal temperature range is -20°C to 50°C.
Boom Barrier Installation
- You should choose a flat and stable surface for the barrier and it must be clear from any obstacles.
- Now, you need to mark the correct alignment and dig holes to install the barrier.
- After that, you can fix the base to the ground with bolts and attach the boom arm securely to the drive mechanism.
- You should connect the motor and control system carefully according to the instructions.
- Finally, you can test the barrier by raising and lowering the arm several times to check its speed. You have to make sure all safety features like lights or reflectors are working.
Advantages of Boom Barrier
When you use a boom barrier at the road or workplace, you will get the following benefits.
- Controls unauthorized access
- Promote security
- Manages parking efficiently
- Perform fast operation
- Reliable performance
- Reduces traffic congestion
- Easy for you to use
- Durable and long-lasting
- Works in all conditions
- Supports automated systems
Boom Barrier Price
If we talk about the average cost of boom barriers, it is mostly in the range of $80 to $800 or more. But, this price can be increased or decreased on the basis of barrier type, size, model and feature. For example: manual barriers generally cost you less. For RFID or solar-powered batteries, you may need to invest more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Boom Barrier Gates Last?
Boom barrier gates have a life span of 5 to 10 years. You can increase this time to 15 years with proper use and maintenance. For that, you need to do regular checks, lubrication plus always keep the motor clean.
Can Boom Barriers Be Customized?
Yes, boom barriers can be customized according to your needs. JACKWIN engineers also customize any safety barrier to suit your requirements and deliver it at affordable rates.
Can Multiple Boom Barriers Be Synchronized?
Absolutely yes. You can link many boom barriers. So, they can work together at the same time. This will be useful for your large parking lots or danger zones.
Are Boom Barriers Safe For Pedestrians?
Yes, boom barriers are safe for pedestrians if they are used properly. Because, most barriers have sensors, lights or warning signs to prevent accidents and keep people safe.
Wrapping It Up
To sum up, you can control traffic as well as improve security and manage parking with a boom barrier. However, we suggest you always choose a boom barrier according to your site needs, vehicle flow and pedestrian conditions.
You can contact JACKWIN today to explore a wide range of durable and cost-effective safety barriers. We manufacture boom barriers with high-quality materials and use reflective elements for visibility.
