Types of Turnstiles Suitable for Buildings
Published on : March 30, 2023
Which turnstiles are suitable for buildings?
- Tripod turnstile
- Swing barrier
- Flap barrier
- Full-height turnstile gate
- Speed gate turnstile
- Waist-height turnstile
Turnstiles, a type of smart gate system, are an important element of security systems in both public and private spaces where foot traffic is high. These are used to enforce one-way traffic to streamline the flow of people and by avoiding accidents due to overcrowding.
In this blog, we’ll tackle the different types of turnstiles that are suitable for buildings. After reading this, you’ll have a better sense of which gate best suits your facility. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a Turnstile?
This is a kind of automated gate that allows just one person to pass through at a time. The early designs of this gate had a rotating mechanism to control those coming through. Today, these gates can also require a card for entry. Some models may also require different types of biometrics before allowing entry.
In the Philippines, you can commonly find these in malls, amusement parks, concert venues, and office buildings.
Now, let’s dive into the different types of turnstiles.
Tripod Turnstile

Tripod turnstiles are the most popular turnstile systems seen in the country. It’s a waist-high gate system that consists of three revolving arms that only allow one person to pass through at a time.
Different types of tripod turnstiles differ in function. It can either be manual but with limited card access, just like what you see in train stations and concert venues.
Depending on the model, this turnstile can either be used for a single direction or bi-directional depending on what your venue needs.
Swing Barrier
A swing barrier is also a waist-high gate system that is equipped with optical sensors and swing barriers that are made from premium quality stainless steel or toughened glass.
When its optical sensors detect a valid entry pass through an electronic key or bar-coded tickets, the barriers will automatically swing open, allowing the person to pass. You can integrate them into schools, factories, and event venues.
Flap Barrier

The flap barrier, also called a blocking gate, is used as one of the access control management turnstile equipment. It’s generally used in combination with biometric device access control, including swipe card access control, fingerprint access control, face recognition access control, etc.
It has a fan-shaped plane in its blocking body that’s perpendicular to the ground and can be blocked and released by expansion. It also has plexiglass and tempered glass that are used to block body materials. More importantly, its core control mode is automatic, which is why its pedestrian detection function is too strong and useful for tourist places, the subway, and railway stations.
Full-Height Turnstile Gate
A full-height turnstile, as the name suggests, has barriers that are extended up to 7 feet from the floor, making it the safest turnstile to use as intruders can’t jump over it. A person can only pass through this turnstile if they have authorized access, such as a pass or a keycard. And, it allows only one person to pass through at a time.
On top of that, you can’t hold or keep this turnstile open. Another great feature of this is it has a vandalism-proof design, making them less vulnerable to any damage. All these features make them suitable for high-security buildings, especially for banks, government, prisons, airports, and other buildings.
Speed Gate Turnstile

The speed gate turnstile is the upgraded version of the swing barrier. It has a faster traffic speed as compared to the swing barrier. Aside from that, it has highly intelligent pedestrian access control management equipment, which allows for full detection of the human body passing through the gate.
It’s a safe, convenient, and reliable turnstile that can perform well in high-end commercial occasions, lobbies in buildings, railway stations, subway stations, scenic spots, etc.
Waist-Height Turnstile
Finally, the waist-height turnstile, also called the half-height turnstile, has a mechanical anti-tailing design, which can effectively realize single-person traffic. This means that only one person can pass at a time.
Compared to the tripod turnstile, this one has higher safety and reliability due to its structural design that’s strongly waterproof and dustproof. This type of turnstile is used for gymnasiums, prisons, factories, exhibition halls, and other indoor and outdoor purposes.
Key Takeaway
As you can see, different types of turnstiles can be suitable for buildings, and each one comes with unique features. You can choose the one that suits your security goals and budget. We hope that knowing these types will help you speed up your selection.
If you’re still not sure which turnstile to purchase, don’t hesitate to reach out to ELID today – the leading turnstile system provider in the Philippines!