The Practical Advantages of Installing Half Height Turnstiles
Half height turnstiles are becoming a popular access control system for many businesses. They offer efficiency and security, whilst ensuring user convenience for a wide range of industries.
Just like full-height turnstiles, half-height turnstiles are extremely secure and ensure that only authorised persons can have access to certain areas. Unlike full-height turnstiles, they take up less space, aren’t as intimidating for visitors, and are ideal for locations with limited space due to their compact design. They are often used in office buildings, gyms/leisure centres, libraries, retail premises, and factories.
Half-height turnstiles allow businesses to utilise space more efficiently without slowing down pedestrian traffic. They can be integrated with advanced access control systems to permit access via swipe cards, tokens, proximity fobs or cards, digital keypads, or biometric technology. Video monitoring can also be integrated into the system to allow for real-time monitoring.
What Are Half Height Turnstiles?
Half height turnstiles, also known as waist-high turnstiles, are entrance control systems used to control the flow of people in or out of a building or secure areas where space is often limited, but security and monitoring are crucial.
Half-height turnstiles include the following designs:
Swing Gates
Swing gates are one of the most affordable types of entrance (and exit) control solutions.
They consist of a hinged panel or gate that swings open and closes like a door. Swing gates are typically used for pedestrian entrances and various other applications.
They can be operated manually by hand, or automated with electric motors. They are available in various materials, styles, and sizes to suit different purposes and aesthetic preferences.
Speed Gates
Speed gates, also known as speed lanes, provide a high level of bidirectional entrance control, without compromising on user safety.
Of all the security turnstiles, speed gates can often look the most aesthetically pleasing, with modern and sleek glass designs. These half-height turnstiles are an innovative, yet discreet design of speed gates that means they can be used in almost any environment. This includes leisure centres, colleges, schools, public transport, healthcare, airports, corporate buildings, and commercial sectors.
As their name suggests, speed gates can process a large number of pedestrians quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for environments with a high volume of foot traffic.
Tripod Turnstiles
As their name suggests, tripod turnstiles have three revolving arms.
Half-height Tripod turnstiles restrict access to one person at a time with a set of rotating tripod barrier arms. Red and green LED indicators also enhance the look.
These turnstiles have traditionally been the most popular type of turnstile due to reliability, space efficiency, and cost.
They are extremely versatile and are commonly used in environments where controlled access is required but with relatively lower traffic volumes. This includes offices, schools, public transportation stations, and small to medium-sized venues.
What Are the Benefits of Half-Height Turnstiles?
From swing gates, and speed gates to tripod turnstiles, half-height turnstiles have many benefits:
1. Space Saving
Half-height turnstiles take up far less space than traditional full-height turnstiles so can be utilised in more compact and smaller locations such as office buildings, smaller retail premises, etc.
2. Not Intimidating
Unlike full-height turnstiles, turnstiles such as speed gates, swing gates, and tripod turnstiles are designed to be less intrusive and intimidating to ensure a smoother flow for users passing through them.
3. Cost-Efficient
Compared to full-height turnstiles, they are more economical in terms of both installation costs and ongoing operating costs. They are also a far cheaper alternative to manned security which depending on business needs may be required 24/7 and is often one of the highest security-related costs for commercial businesses.
4. Enhanced Security
Half-height turnstiles provide enhanced security features for controlling access to certain areas. They can incorporate advanced access technologies such as swipe cards, proximity fobs, digital keypads, and biometrics to ensure only those with permission can gain access. They can also be integrated with existing security systems such as video security systems for real-time monitoring.
5. User-Friendly Design
The design of half-height turnstiles ensures a hassle-free experience for users passing through access points, whether the turnstiles are swing gates, speed gates, or tripod turnstiles, they offer easy and streamlined passage. Turnstiles also control the flow of footfall to ensure the safety of all visitors.
6. Customisable Options
Half-height turnstiles can be seamlessly integrated into any premises due to their adaptability, compact size, and their aesthetic options. This flexibility extends to the operational use as well as visual aesthetic without compromising on security or user experience.
Half Height Turnstiles by UK Turnstiles
At UK Turnstiles, we offer a full range of security systems including full-height turnstiles, half height turnstiles, metal fencing, gates, security pods, and barriers.
Our team can seamlessly integrate half-height turnstiles and access control systems into new or existing security systems. We focus on providing user-friendly designs and customisable options to meet the needs and requirements of every client.
Our service extends beyond installation and includes regular maintenance to ensure that all security systems installed by UK Turnstiles guarantee optimal performance.
Our friendly team can guide you through our range of security systems to help you find the right security installation for your business.
11/03/2025
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