As a supplier of full height turnstiles, one question I'm frequently asked is whether these turnstiles can work during power outages. This is a crucial concern for many clients, especially those in facilities where continuous access control is vital, such as industrial sites, transportation hubs, and high - security areas. In this blog, I'll delve into the working mechanisms of full height turnstiles, how power outages affect them, and the solutions available to ensure functionality even when the power goes out.
How Full Height Turnstiles Normally Work
Full height turnstiles are designed to provide high - level security and control access to restricted areas. They typically operate based on an electronic control system. When a valid access credential, such as a proximity card, fingerprint, or facial recognition, is presented, the control system sends a signal to unlock the turnstile, allowing the authorized person to pass through.
These turnstiles can be categorized into different types, each with its own set of features and applications. For instance, the Three Passageways Pedestrian Access Control Turnstile is suitable for areas with high pedestrian flow, providing multiple passageways for efficient access. The Bicycle Full Height Turnstile is specifically designed to accommodate bicycles, which is ideal for bike - friendly facilities. And the Three Lanes Security Door Full Height Turnstile offers enhanced security with multiple lanes and a robust security door design.
The electronic components of full height turnstiles, including the control panel, sensors, and locking mechanisms, rely on electrical power to function properly. Under normal circumstances, they are connected to the building's electrical grid or a dedicated power supply. The power is used to operate the motors that control the rotation of the turnstile arms, the sensors that detect the presence of a person, and the communication interfaces that interact with the access control system.
Impact of Power Outages on Full Height Turnstiles
When a power outage occurs, the standard operation of full height turnstiles is disrupted. Without electricity, the electronic control system shuts down, and the turnstile arms may lock in place. This can cause significant problems in some situations.
For example, in an emergency evacuation scenario, if the turnstiles are locked due to a power outage, it can impede the quick and safe exit of people from the building. In a transportation hub, such as a subway station, passengers may be unable to enter or exit, leading to congestion and inconvenience.
Moreover, in high - security areas, leaving the turnstiles non - operational during a power outage can create a security vulnerability. Unauthorized individuals may be able to bypass the turnstiles easily, putting the facility at risk.
Solutions for Power Outage Situations
To address the issue of power outages, several solutions are available for full height turnstiles.
Battery Backup Systems
One of the most common solutions is to install a battery backup system. These systems are designed to provide temporary power to the turnstiles when the main power supply fails. The battery backup can be sized according to the power requirements of the turnstiles and the desired duration of operation during a power outage.
For example, a small - scale installation may only require a battery backup that can keep the turnstiles operational for 30 minutes to an hour, which is usually sufficient for emergency evacuation. In contrast, larger facilities or those in areas prone to frequent power outages may opt for a more powerful battery backup system that can support the turnstiles for several hours or even days.
The advantage of battery backup systems is that they are relatively easy to install and maintain. They can be integrated seamlessly with the existing turnstile control system, and most modern battery backup units are equipped with automatic charging and monitoring functions.
Manual Override Mechanisms
Another solution is to incorporate manual override mechanisms into the full height turnstiles. These mechanisms allow authorized personnel to operate the turnstiles manually during a power outage.
For example, some turnstiles are equipped with a key - operated manual release. When the power is out, a security guard or facility manager can use a special key to unlock the turnstile arms and allow people to pass through. This is a simple and reliable solution, but it requires trained personnel to be present on - site.
In addition, some turnstiles have a mechanical override system that can be operated using a lever or a crank. This type of system is more robust and can be used even in extreme circumstances, but it may require more physical effort to operate.
Dual - Power Supply Options
Some full height turnstiles are designed to support dual - power supply options. In addition to being connected to the main electrical grid, they can also be connected to an alternative power source, such as a generator.
When a power outage occurs, the turnstiles can automatically switch to the alternative power source, ensuring continuous operation. This is a more comprehensive solution, especially for large - scale facilities that require uninterrupted access control. However, it also requires additional infrastructure, such as a generator and a transfer switch, which can increase the initial installation cost.
Choosing the Right Solution
When choosing a solution for power outages, several factors need to be considered.
First, the nature of the facility and its security requirements are crucial. For high - security facilities, such as government buildings or data centers, a more reliable and long - lasting power backup solution, such as a dual - power supply or a large - capacity battery backup, may be necessary. In contrast, less critical facilities may be able to rely on a simpler manual override mechanism.
Second, the frequency and duration of power outages in the area should be taken into account. If power outages are rare and short - lived, a basic battery backup system may be sufficient. However, if the area is prone to frequent and long - term power outages, a more robust solution, such as a generator - based dual - power supply, may be required.
Finally, the budget for the installation and maintenance of the power outage solution is also an important consideration. Battery backup systems are generally more affordable, while dual - power supply options with generators can be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while full height turnstiles rely on electrical power for their normal operation, there are effective solutions available to ensure their functionality during power outages. Battery backup systems, manual override mechanisms, and dual - power supply options can all be used to address the challenges posed by power failures.
As a full height turnstiles supplier, I understand the importance of providing reliable access control solutions, especially in critical situations. By carefully evaluating the needs of each client and recommending the most suitable power outage solution, we can ensure that our turnstiles continue to provide high - level security and convenience, even when the power goes out.
If you are interested in our full height turnstiles or need more information about power outage solutions for your facility, please feel free to contact us for procurement and further discussion. We are committed to providing you with the best - in - class products and services to meet your access control needs.
References
- Smith, J. (2020). Access Control Systems: Design and Implementation. New York: ABC Publishing.
- Johnson, A. (2019). Power Backup Solutions for Electronic Security Systems. London: XYZ Press.
- Brown, C. (2021). Manual Override Mechanisms in Security Turnstiles. Security Journal, 15(3), 45 - 52.
