Interestingly, turnstiles were mainly designed to stop animals at a place. Firstly, farmers made this tool with wooden posts. In early 1900s, many businesses started using these turnstiles. Like in 1913, Clarence Saunders placed them in his Piggly Wiggly store in USA to control crowd.
If you want to know what is turnstile and how it works, you can read this article. In this guide you will understand major types of turnstiles, its components, prices plus installation steps.
What is a Turnstile?
Other words for turnstile are automated gate, turn gate, turnstile door, gateline, turnstile barrier and baffle gate. Basically, this is a type of gate that allows only one person to pass through at one time. You can call it an oneway traffic tool for humans. These tools also work as security systems. For example, you need a credential card or id card to open the gate and cross it.
Turnstile System
Well, this is a complete system of turnstile gates that are installed for the security of high-end and restricted places. This system works with the integration of biometric recognition or ticketing. This system is very useful to control the access of the place and allow only authorized people to get in.
Turnstile Parts or Components
This device has mainly two structures: internal and external. If we talk about external structure it includes, turnstile mechanism, infrared sensor, a control module, turnstile chassis, integration module and auxiliary module.
On the other hand, the external module has a blocking rod, card swipe area, scanning area, face recognition machine or any other integrated device. Each part plays a vital role in turnstile. For instance, a pedestrian detection module is manufactured to detect foot traffic near the turnstile.
Types of Turnstiles
Speed Gate Turnstile
As its name shows, this turnstile works in a speedy way. You can place this barrier when you have higher footfall. This barrier has 6 to 8 sensors. And 30 to 40 plus people can cross through it in just one minute. It has fast moving wings, glass and flaps that detect the presence of a person with infrared sensors.
Portable Turnstile
This turnstile works as a regular turnstile barrier. But you do not need to fix it or bolted down on the ground. Basically, it is adjusted on a sturdy base that comes with wheels. Therefore, you can move it easily from one place to another.
But still it provides the same level of security at your site. Mainly, you see these barriers at events, construction sites, temporary work zones and concerts.
Flap Barrier Turnstile
Flap barriers have glass or acrylic flaps that stop you from entering into unauthorized access. If your access is failed then the flap remains shut. It works in a fast manner so you can install it at busy places. If you need extra security you can integrate QR scanner, face recognition, fingerprint or any other biometric verification system.
Swing Barrier Gate Turnstile
This barrier works by swinging the barrier which blocks the way of pedestrians. There are two parallel blocking barriers that are driven by motors. Actually, the swing barrier is the updated version of the tripod turnstile gate.
You can adjust the size of these swings. Commonly, its width is 0.5 to 0.65 meters. But its width can reach more than 1.2 meters for special passage. This barrier is suitable for the crossing of personnel, non-motorized vehicles plus persons with luggage or heavy bags.
Sliding Gate Turnstile
The barrier of these turnstiles open in a straight horizontal line and move in both directions. Its barriers are named as sliding flaps. You should choose this turnstile when high security is required. Because its sliding gate can completely shut down the way for unauthorized access.
Drop Arm Turnstile
You can buy this one when you need security plus aesthetic look. You may find one or two arms in this type of turnstile. In fact, after your identification gets accessed by its system the arm drops into the cabin. Now, you can cross easily.
Optical Turnstile
If you want to place barriers where beauty is also needed, an optical turnstile is the best option. Actually, it has no physical arms. Instead of this it uses infrared radiation to work. It counts the people who pass through it and updates the system. Some advanced turnstiles can notify the system about unauthorized access too.
Glass Turnstile
This type of barrier is used at such places where traditional physical barriers are not suitable. As its name suggests, its barriers are made up of slim glass sheets. This sheet works as a moderate barrier to make your site safer. But it does not provide as strong security as other turnstiles.
Tripod Turnstile
A tripod turnstile means it has three arms that block the entry and exit of people. It works on a rotating mechanism. Moreover, each rod or arm is spaced 120 degrees. This type of turnstile also gives you the bidirectional operation at a time. Which means you can control entry and exit with the help of one device.
Waist High Turnstile or Half Height Turnstile
You can buy this type of turnstile to use at events, stadiums, fairs and arenas. They are designed to control the access of people. Mainly, there are three arms of this turnstile that are connected at waist height. You can lock them for entry and exit. Furthermore, you can set it to rotate freely if needed.
Full Height Turnstile
This turnstile is larger than waist height turnstile. Authorities install these turnstiles where you need tight security. Its height is almost 7 feet which is 2.1 meters. This turnstile works on the principle of revolving door.
After you place these full height turnstiles no one can jump over them. Only the person with authorized access card can pass through them. You mostly find these barriers at airports and secret agency entrance.
Handicap Turnstile / ADA Turnstiles
This type of turnstile is used for the easy access of handicapped persons. That’s why it is wider than other turnstiles. Mostly, these turnstiles have a width of 32 to 36 inches. For disabled persons authorities believe in automated machines to provide touchless passages. This turnstile is made according to the requirements of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Car Turnstile
A car turnstile is a vehicle access control system. It controls how cars enter or exit a place. You often see it at parking lots, toll booths, factories, or secure buildings. It works like a gate, but it focuses on vehicles instead of people.
For example, If the vehicle has access, the barrier arm will lift or the gate rotates. If not, it remains closed. So, in this way you get full control over entry and exit points.
Turnstile Revolving Door
This turnstile looks like a round glass door with sections inside. The panels rotate in a circle. Simply, a person steps inside one section of the door. After that, the glass panels rotate and move the person to the other side. Some models connect with access control systems. You may see it at airports, banks, offices and corporate buildings.
4 Types of Turnstile Technology
Turnstile With Access Control
A turnstile with access control manages who enters your building. It does not allow random entry. You can use a card, PIN, fingerprint or face scan for verification. The system checks your details in the database. If your data matches, the gate unlocks. If not, it blocks access.
Turnstile Gate With Face Recognition
A turnstile gate with face recognition controls access through face scan technology. You do not need a card, password or ticket. In this system, your face works as your key. When you stand in front of the camera, it captures your image.
The system checks your facial features with pre-stored data. If your identity matches, the gate opens for entry or exit. If it does not match, the gate remains closed. This system combines face recognition with access control. In this way, you get fast movement and high-level security at the same time.
Turnstile With Metal Detector
This controls entry and security at the same time. You have to pass through the gate and it scans your body for metal objects. If the system detects metal in your body, it gives an alarm. In that case, security staff check your body to search for any harmful object. If no metal appears, the turnstile allows entry. This step makes the area safe and organized.
Turnstile Gate With Card Reader
As its name shows, a turnstile gate with a card reader controls entry through an access card. You have to tap or swipe your card on the reader which is placed on the front of the turnstile. The installed system checks your card details in the database. If your card is valid, the gate will unlock. If the card is not authorized, the gate will not open. This stops unauthorized entry at your site.
What Are Turnstiles Used For?
Turnstile in cyber security: You only connect the turnstile with your digital access system. It links with ID cards, biometrics & employee software. So, only verified users can enter sensitive areas like server rooms or data centers. This protects both your physical space and your digital assets as well.
Crowd control: With the help of turnstiles, you can manage large groups in places like metro stations, stadiums, concerts or events. As you know, the turnstile allows one person at a time. Therefore, this reduces rush, prevents pushing and creates a smooth flow of movement.
For Database: If you have installed a turnstile, every entry and exit will be stored in your system database. In this way, you can check time, date, entry count and user details when needed. This gives you clear reports for attendance, visitor logs, salary clearance or security review.
Turnstile Access Control System: When you have this tool, you decide who is allowed to enter and at what time. The system works with cards, PIN codes, fingerprints or face recognition. This gives you full control over restricted areas without any manual checking.
Turnstile Suppliers
If you choose the right supplier, you get quality products, technical guidance, installation team and long-term security for your site. Furthermore, a reliable supplier offers you customizable options like size, security integration, type and access control.
- JACKWIN (in house manufacturing facility and customization available)
- UK Turnstiles Ltd
- Newgate
- Security Solutions Ltd
How Much Does a Turnstile Cost?
| Turnstiles | Turnstile price list |
| Half height turnstile gate | $550 to $600 |
| Full height turnstile price | $1250 to $2600 |
| Turnstile gate with card reader | $2013 to $2063 |
| Automatic access control turnstile | Approx. $600 |
| Tripod turnstile | From $400 to $580 |
| Manual swing gate turnstile | $500 – $520 |
| Portable tripod turnstile | 180 – 300 dollars |
Turnstile Installation
This is a bit more difficult to install a turnstile barrier than a simple safety barrier. But you can follow these 6 steps to make it easy for you.
Select Location: If you want to install a turnstile, then pick a flat and secure area where people will enter or exit.
Gather Needed Tools: After that, you should see for expansion bolts, cover caps, keys, cleaning sets, simple bolts, reader fixed strips, cables and buttons for testing the gate.
Fix Turnstile Frame: Then you have to mark and drill the holes according to construction manual. Assemble all the parts in one frame. Now place main frame of the turnstile on the ground or base and secure it with bolts or screws.
Power Supply: Provide the cable connections in all needed parts like screen, railings, rotating arms and integrated devices. Then connect this power cable with the main supply unit which will provide electricity to run the turnstile.
Install Access Systems: After you have connected all the wire, you have to install an access system that you want in your turnstile. For instance, card reader, fingerprint scanner, metal detector or face recognition device.
Tighten Bolts: When all the setup is ready and fully connected with each other then place the bolts. These bolts are needed to secure the turnstile on the ground for a long time. Moreover, hide these bolts with covers for a clean look.
Final Thoughts
We can say in the past, turnstiles were used by entrepreneurs. Back then, these turnstiles were simple rotating posts or arms which restricted the entry and exit of the crowd.
But now the modern turnstiles are integrated with security tools like QR scanner, fingerprint detector, face recognizer, card scanner and password acceptor. So, you should get this device to make your place secure.
FAQs
What is the Right Word Turnstyle or Turnstile?
Well, the right word is turnstile. But many people pronounce or spell it like turnstyle. Actually, turnstyle is not a recognized word in any dictionary. This is only because of the confusion between the words “stile” and “style”. Therefore, you should always call it a turnstile.
How to Repair Turnstiles?
If you want to repair a turnstile, first identify whether the problem is mechanical or electrical. Make sure to switch off the power before starting for safety. You should check moving parts like arms, bolts & gears. After fixing the issue, you can tighten or replace any damaged components. Inspect electrical parts, sensors and access devices.
