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Speed gates installed in a modern office reception providing secure access control with glass barriers for corporate building entrance security.
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Which Pedestrian Entrance Control Solution Is Right For Your Project?

Selecting the right pedestrian entrance control system depends on several factors, including the required level of security, accessibility, pedestrian flow, available space, operating environment and budget.
Use the guide below to compare the main entrance-control technologies and identify the solution most suited to your project.

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Product Selection Matrix

Use the Product Selection Matrix to compare the main pedestrian entrance-control solutions against the key factors that influence product selection. Consider what the entrance is intended for, accessibility and required passage width, expected pedestrian flow, available installation space and the required level of security to identify the most suitable product category for your project.

Note: Security levels are indicative comparisons between product categories. Actual performance depends on the selected manufacturer, model, configuration and access-control system.

 

Need help choosing? If you are unsure which solution best meets your requirements, contact us to discuss your project.

Compare Product Features

The Compare Product Features provides a quick overview of the main technical characteristics available across each product category.

 

Compare operation, passage width, barrier type, detection and safety, access-control integration, emergency functions and installation environment to help identify the most appropriate solution.

Note: Feature availability varies by manufacturer and model. Always confirm the final specification against the selected product.

 

Need help choosing? If you are unsure which solution best meets your requirements, contact us to discuss your project.

Typical Applications Matrix

The Compare Typical Applications Matrix shows the environments and sectors where each entrance-control solution is commonly used. Use it to identify products that are regularly specified for commercial, transport, education, healthcare, industrial, public-sector, critical infrastructure, leisure and residential applications.

Key: ✓ = typical application · — = less typical application

Typical applications are indicative only. Product suitability depends on the required level of security, accessibility, pedestrian flow, available space, environmental conditions and site-specific requirements.

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Contact us to discuss your requirements and find the most suitable entrance control solution.

Indicative Investment and Maintenance Matrix

Use the Indicative Investment & Maintenance Matrix to compare the relative cost considerations of each entrance-control product category. Consider the initial investment, installation, ongoing maintenance, replacement parts and overall whole-life cost when assessing the most appropriate solution for your project.

Key: £ = lower · ££ = medium · £££ = high · ££££ = specialist / very high

Other costs to consider - Building works, electrical supplies, data/network connections, fire-alarm interfaces, security-system integration, foundations or structural works, delivery, commissioning, training and service agreements may also contribute to the overall project cost.

Indicative only - Investment and maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer, model, specification, usage, environment, installation requirements and service contract. The table indicates the general relative cost position of each product category rather than providing a quotation.

 

Whole-Life Cost - When comparing entrance-control solutions, consider the total cost of ownership, including purchase, installation, access-control equipment, commissioning, preventative maintenance, replacement components and expected operating life.

Need help assessing the total cost? Contact us to discuss your project requirements and identify the most appropriate solution based on initial investment, ongoing costs and whole-life value.

Which Product Should I Choose?

If you already know your main requirement, use the quick guide below to identify the product category that may be the best starting point. For a more detailed comparison, see the Product Selection Matrix above.

Need Help Selecting the Right Solution?

Choosing the right pedestrian entrance-control system depends on a combination of security, accessibility, pedestrian flow, available space, operating environment and budget. If you are unsure which product best suits your application, our team can help you compare the available options and identify an appropriate solution.

Explore the Product Categories

The product categories below cover the main pedestrian entrance-control solutions available for a wide range of commercial, public, industrial and security-sensitive environments. Each product is suited to different requirements for security, accessibility, pedestrian flow, available space and operating conditions.

 

Select a product below to explore its typical applications, accessibility, key benefits and the factors to consider when selecting the right solution.

Individual Product Sections

Tripod turnstiles are compact pedestrian access-control systems using three rotating arms to regulate individual entry and exit.

 

Available in manual or motorised configurations, they provide a practical solution where controlled pedestrian access is required within a limited footprint.

Suitable for offices, leisure facilities, education, transport, commercial buildings and other controlled-access environments.

Tripod turnstiles are designed for standard pedestrian passage. A separate wider accessible gate is normally provided alongside the turnstile where wheelchair, pushchair, luggage or larger-item access is required.

  • Compact footprint.

  • Controlled individual passage.

  • Manual or motorised options.

  • Bi-directional operation.

  • Wide access-control integration.

  • Stainless-steel construction.

Consider the required level of security, pedestrian flow, available space, manual or motorised operation, rotor configuration, environmental conditions and whether a separate accessible gate is required.

Paddle leaf speed gates are motorised pedestrian access-control systems using acrylic or glass leaves that open and close rapidly to control passage.

 

They combine high pedestrian flow with modern architectural styling and advanced detection and safety functions.

Ideal for offices, commercial buildings, transport facilities, education, healthcare and other busy indoor entrances where security, throughput and appearance are important.

Available with wider passage options, with some models providing lanes up to 1,200 mm. Wider configurations can accommodate wheelchair users, pushchairs and larger items.

  • High pedestrian throughput.

  • Passage widths up to 1,200 mm.

  • Tailgating detection.

  • Anti-pinch and safety detection.

  • Wide access-control integration.

  • Premium architectural appearance.

Consider passage width, pedestrian flow, detection requirements, accessibility, available space, barrier height, finishes and the required level of security and integration.

Retractable sliding gates use motorised glass or acrylic barriers that retract into the side cabinets to create a clear passage. They provide controlled access with advanced detection and a clean architectural appearance.

Suitable for offices, commercial buildings, transport facilities, healthcare, government buildings and other high-traffic indoor environments.

Passage widths are generally more limited than paddle leaf speed gates, with typically up to 900 mm available depending on the model. Check the manufacturer's clear opening dimensions when accessibility is required.

  • High pedestrian throughput.

  • Fully retracting barriers.

  • Tailgating and direction detection.

  • Anti-pinch and safety functions.

  • Access-control integration.

  • Premium appearance.

Consider the required passage width, available cabinet space, pedestrian flow, detection functions, security requirements, maintenance access and emergency operation.

Retractable flap gates are motorised pedestrian access-control systems using barrier flaps that retract into the cabinets when authorised access is granted.

 

They provide controlled, efficient access for busy indoor entrances.

  • Commonly used in offices, commercial buildings, education, healthcare, transport, leisure and other controlled indoor environments.

Available in different lane widths depending on the model. Where wheelchair or wider access is required, select an appropriate wide-lane configuration or provide a dedicated accessible gate.

  • High pedestrian throughput.

  • Retracting barrier design.

  • Tailgating detection.

  • Anti-pinch and safety functions.

  • Access-control integration.

  • Compact entrance arrangement.

Consider passage width, pedestrian flow, cabinet dimensions, detection requirements, barrier height, accessibility and the expected level of security.

Swing gates are motorised pedestrian access gates designed to provide a wide passage for wheelchair users, pushchairs, luggage, trolleys and larger items.

 

The barrier pivots open to create an accessible route through the entrance.

  • Suitable for offices, transport facilities, education, healthcare, leisure, retail and other indoor environments requiring wider or accessible pedestrian access.

Swing gates are particularly suited to wide and accessible passages and can provide an access route alongside turnstiles or speed gates.

  • Wide accessible passage.

  • Suitable for wheelchairs and mobility equipment.

  • Accommodates larger items.

  • Smooth, controlled operation.

  • Access-control integration.

  • Simple pivoting mechanism.

Consider the required passage width, accessibility requirements, available swing clearance, pedestrian flow, barrier material and integration with the main entrance-control system.

External speed gates are motorised pedestrian access-control systems designed specifically for outdoor and exposed environments.

 

Weather-resistant construction and safety systems allow controlled pedestrian access where durability and environmental performance are essential.

Suitable for business parks, industrial facilities, transport sites, education campuses, sports venues, residential developments, utilities and other external entrances.

Wide lane options are available on selected models, allowing accessible routes to be incorporated where required.

  • Designed for external applications.

  • Weather-resistant construction.

  • High pedestrian throughput.

  • Wide passage options.

  • Tailgating and direction detection.

  • Access-control integration.

Consider environmental exposure, weather protection, passage width, pedestrian flow, detection requirements, available space, security level and emergency operation.

Full height turnstiles provide a substantial physical barrier extending from floor level to above normal pedestrian height.

 

Available in manual or motorised configurations, they are designed for controlled access where a strong physical deterrent and unattended operation are required.

Commonly used at construction sites, industrial facilities, commercial premises, transport facilities, stadiums, utilities and security-sensitive locations.

Full height turnstiles are normally intended for standard pedestrian passage. A separate wider accessible gate can be installed alongside the turnstile where wheelchair, pushchair, bicycle, luggage or equipment access is required.

  • High physical deterrence.

  • Manual or motorised options.

  • Indoor and outdoor applications.

  • Single or bi-directional operation.

  • Robust construction.

  • Wide access-control integration.

Consider 3-arm / 120° or 4-arm / 90° rotor configuration, manual or motorised operation, pedestrian flow, environmental conditions, accessible gate requirements and emergency release arrangements.

High security portals provide controlled individual-person passage through an enclosed security environment.

 

They are designed for applications were preventing tailgating and piggybacking and verifying individual users are critical security requirements.

Used in data centres, financial institutions, government facilities, critical infrastructure, high-security commercial environments and other sites requiring enhanced individual-person control.

Accessibility depends on the portal design and clear passage dimensions. Where required, the selected system should provide suitable access for authorised users while maintaining the required security controls.

  • Individual-person verification.

  • Enhanced anti-tailgating control.

  • Advanced authentication options.

  • Occupancy and security detection.

  • High-security construction.

  • Unmanned operation.

Consider the required security level, authentication method, single-person detection, passage dimensions, physical resistance requirements, throughput, emergency arrangements and integration with the wider security system.

High security revolving doors provide controlled individual pedestrian passage through rotating compartments.

 

They combine high levels of security with continuous pedestrian movement and are designed for buildings where controlled access and architectural appearance are important.

Suitable for corporate headquarters, financial institutions, government buildings, transport facilities, data centres and other security-sensitive commercial environments.

Accessibility depends on the door configuration and available compartment dimensions. Suitable arrangements should be selected where wheelchair users or other accessibility requirements need to be accommodated.

  • Controlled individual passage.

  • Anti-tailgating functions.

  • High security.

  • Continuous pedestrian flow.

  • Advanced access-control integration.

  • Architectural appearance.

Consider security requirements, pedestrian flow, compartment dimensions, authentication technology, available space, architectural requirements, emergency operation and integration with the wider security system.

Related Resources

  • Access Control Systems

  • Accessibility & DDA Requirements

  • Pedestrian Entrance Control FAQs

  • Technical Resources / Downloads

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