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Tripod Turnstiles Frequently Asked Questions

Tripod Turnstile TT300 Range

Evolve Security Products Limited is a leading designer and manufacturer of pedestrian entrance controlled security speed gates, speed lanes, paddle gates, swing gates, tripod turnstiles full height turnstiles and security revolving doors.
 
The following are a few of the most frequently asked questions we are asked about tripod turnstiles.

1. What is a tripod turnstile?

A tripod turnstiles are an entry level physical entrance control security barrier that is used for securing pedestrian access from a non secure area to a secure area, restricting unauthorized entry. Due to there low security level they are commonly used in staffed reception areas such as libraries, leisure centers and gyms. They normally have three rotating arms (some have 2) that spin around a central hub, allowing only one person to pass through at a time.

2. What are tripod turnstiles used for?

Tripod Turnstiles are used as a visual deterrent. They control the flow of pedestrians from a non-secure zone to a secure zone. They can be configured to work in three different modes: -

  1. Controlled entry or exit.

  2. Free entry or exit.

  3. Barred/blocked entry or exit.

3. Can wheelchairs or large bulky items be use with turnstiles?

Turnstile only provide a 500 to 550mm walkway opening so can’t be used as access for wheelchairs trolleys or large bulky items. If you need to provide access for these then you would need to use a DDA swing gate.

4. What is the difference between a turnstile and speed gate?

Turnstiles provide a low level of security as they can easily be jumped over or crawled under so only suitable for staffed reception areas. Speed gates provide a much higher security level offering anti tailgating detection, high obstacles with a low gap to prevent jumping or crawling under, and a reduction in staff to monitor the area.

5. Why use speed gates.

A turnstile consists of a cabinet normally made from 304 stainless steel with an option for 316 and several versions of cabinet compact, bridged, and boxed. The cabinet top/lids are normally stainless steel with options of resin, marble, stone, or wood. Three arms, normally stainless steel attached to a rotating hub. A mechanical or motorised drive head mechanism and an electronic control module.

6. Examples of Tripod Turnstiles?

Tripod Turnstile TT301 Concept
Tripod Turnstile TT303 Concept
Coin operated turnstile
Tripod Turnstile TT300-2

Bridged

Boxed

Compact

Coin Operated

7. Why do people jump turnstiles?

People jump turnstiles to avoid having to pay to use the transport system or toilets. Others have a malicious intent to enter an unauthorized area in a building to cause damage, theft, or even bodily harm.

8. What is the alternative to a turnstile?

There are many alternatives which will depend on your security needs. Speed Gates, Speed Lanes, Paddle Gates, Retractable flaps Gate, Retractable Sliding Gates, Full height Turnstiles, Security Revolving Doors and Portals are great alternatives for a tripod turnstile.

9. What is the security level of a tripod turnstile?

A tripod turnstile provides a low level of security, its purpose is to protect secure areas from unauthorized access. Unlike a normal door that can be held open, turnstiles provide an added layer of entrance control and security where individuals need to enter a building “one-at-a-time” using an access control device that can identify and log each person entering and exiting the area.

10. What are the benefits / advantages of turnstiles?

The first point of entry to a building is generally through a swing or sliding door which offers no protection against tailgating or unauthorised entry. A common solution to secure the building is to add a card or biometric reader and electric locks to the door. But even then, the door can be held open allowing multiple people to enter.
 
To control who enters your building you need a second level of security, a tripod turnstile is the cheapest solution with superior control compared with a normal entrance door.

11. What is the difference between a turnstile and a flap gates?

There is very little difference between tripod turnstiles and flap gates/barriers. Retractable flap gates have detection sensors that can monitor user passage and detect tailgating and wrong direction of travel.

12. How do turnstiles prevent tailgating?

Tripod turnstile can’t stop tailgating / piggybacking they help to reduce it by having a narrow walkway and how quickly the arms rotate for the first user. Tailgating is easy for thin people but difficult for large people.

13. What stops the turnstile arm rotating?

There are many alternatives which will depend on your security needs. Speed Gates, Speed Lanes, Paddle Gates, Retractable flaps Gate, Retractable Sliding Gates, Full height Turnstiles, Security Revolving Doors and Portals are great alternatives for a tripod turnstile.

14. How do you maintain a turnstile?

Turnstile preventative maintenance should only be carried out by manufacturer trained personnel following the manufacturer’s routine PPM procedure. Evolve offer maintenance / PPM training to anyone looking to sell and work on its products.

15. How long does it take to install turnstiles?

Installation time varies depending on the work being completed by the general contractor, the installer, other trades such as electricians, access control and fire alarm installers. With the preparation work done, mounting, and wiring the turnstile pedestals by a manufacturer training installer should take approximately 1-2 hours per lane.

16. Why is there a big price difference for tripod turnstiles?

Not all tripod turnstiles are the same, some cheaper versions typically have one or two key elements missing such a damper / shock absorber, reversed rotation, positioning mechanism and many only have one limit switch so can not count or monitor travel in both directions.

‘Evolving the way you manage your pedestrian entrance control’

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