How do turnstile gates operate during power outages?

Power outages can pose significant challenges in various public and private settings, especially when it comes to access control systems like turnstile gates. As a turnstile gate supplier, I've encountered numerous inquiries about how these gates operate during such unforeseen events. In this blog, I'll delve into the different operational mechanisms of turnstile gates during power outages and discuss the implications for users and facility managers.

Types of Turnstile Gates and Their Normal Operations

Before we explore how turnstile gates function during power outages, it's essential to understand the different types of turnstile gates available in the market. There are mainly three types: Glass Swing Turnstile, Half Height Turnstile Gate, and Full Height Turnstile Gate.

Glass swing turnstiles are known for their sleek design and smooth operation. They typically use glass panels that swing open to allow passage upon successful authentication. These turnstiles are often used in modern office buildings, airports, and high - end commercial complexes.

Half - height turnstile gates are a common sight in subway stations, stadiums, and other public transportation hubs. They have a relatively low height, usually around waist - level, and are designed to control the flow of pedestrians efficiently.

Full - height turnstile gates, on the other hand, are more robust and offer a higher level of security. They are often used in high - security areas such as prisons, military bases, and industrial facilities. These turnstiles are tall enough to prevent people from jumping over them.

Under normal power conditions, all these turnstile gates rely on electrical power to operate. They are connected to a control system that receives signals from access control devices such as card readers, biometric scanners, or keypads. When a valid access credential is presented, the control system sends a signal to the turnstile mechanism, which then allows the user to pass through.

Operational Modes During Power Outages

Fail - Safe Mode

Many turnstile gates are designed to operate in a fail - safe mode during power outages. In this mode, the gates automatically unlock and allow free passage. The rationale behind this design is to ensure the safety of people in case of emergencies such as fires or earthquakes. For example, in a building where a fire breaks out and the power goes out, it is crucial that people can quickly evacuate without being hindered by locked turnstiles.

Glass swing turnstiles in fail - safe mode will have their glass panels swing open freely. This allows for a wide passage area, enabling people to move through the turnstile quickly. Half - height turnstile gates will also release their barriers, allowing pedestrians to walk through without any obstruction. Full - height turnstile gates, which are more massive, will also unlock, providing a clear path for evacuation.

However, the fail - safe mode also has its drawbacks. In a high - security environment, allowing free passage during a power outage can pose a significant security risk. Unauthorized individuals may take advantage of the situation to gain access to restricted areas.

Fail - Secure Mode

Some turnstile gates are configured to operate in a fail - secure mode. In this mode, the gates remain locked during a power outage. This is often the preferred option for facilities where security is of utmost importance, such as data centers, financial institutions, and government buildings.

When the power goes out, the mechanical locking mechanism of the turnstile gates engages, preventing any unauthorized entry. For glass swing turnstiles, the glass panels will stay in a locked position. Half - height and full - height turnstile gates will also keep their barriers in place.

The main challenge with the fail - secure mode is that it can impede the evacuation process in case of an emergency. Facility managers need to have alternative evacuation plans in place, such as manual unlocking procedures or the use of emergency exits that are not controlled by turnstiles.

Battery - Backup Systems

To mitigate the limitations of both fail - safe and fail - secure modes, many turnstile gate systems are equipped with battery - backup systems. These systems provide power to the turnstiles for a limited period during a power outage, allowing them to continue operating in a normal or semi - normal mode.

The battery - backup capacity varies depending on the type of turnstile gate and the specific requirements of the installation. For smaller glass swing turnstiles, a battery backup may be able to power the system for several hours, allowing for continued access control operations. Larger full - height turnstile gates, which require more power to operate, may have a shorter battery - backup time.

During a power outage, the battery - backup system takes over the power supply to the turnstile gate. The turnstile can still receive signals from access control devices and operate as it would under normal power conditions. This provides a balance between security and safety, as the turnstile can continue to control access while also allowing for a proper evacuation if necessary.

Considerations for Facility Managers

When choosing turnstile gates, facility managers need to carefully consider the operational mode during power outages based on the specific needs of their facility.

For facilities where safety is the top priority, such as hospitals and schools, a fail - safe mode may be the best option. However, additional security measures need to be implemented to address the potential security risks during power outages. This could include the use of security personnel to monitor the area and manual access control procedures.

In high - security facilities, a fail - secure mode or a battery - backup system is more appropriate. Facility managers should also ensure that regular maintenance and testing of the turnstile gates and their backup systems are carried out to ensure their reliability during power outages.

Implications for End - Users

End - users may not be fully aware of how turnstile gates operate during power outages. In a fail - safe mode, they may experience unrestricted access, which can be confusing if they are used to controlled entry. In a fail - secure mode, they may be unable to enter or exit a facility, which can cause inconvenience, especially if they are in a hurry.

It is important for facility managers to communicate clearly with end - users about the operational modes of the turnstile gates during power outages. This can be done through signage, announcements, or training programs.

Conclusion

As a turnstile gate supplier, I understand the importance of providing reliable access control solutions that can operate effectively during power outages. Whether it's a fail - safe, fail - secure, or battery - backup system, each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Facility managers need to make informed decisions based on their specific security and safety requirements. By choosing the right turnstile gate system and ensuring proper maintenance, they can minimize the impact of power outages on access control and ensure the safety and security of their facilities.

If you are in the process of selecting turnstile gates for your facility or need more information about how they operate during power outages, I encourage you to contact us. Our team of experts can provide you with detailed advice and customized solutions to meet your specific needs. Let's work together to find the best turnstile gate solution for your facility.

References

• International Building Code (IBC)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards
• Access Control and Security Systems Best Practices Guides