What’s the Difference Between Turnstile and Barrier Systems?

Turnstiles and barriers are two frequently confused access control solutions — but they actually serve different purposes.

When Is a Turnstile System Used?

Turnstiles are used to manage pedestrian passage one at a time in a controlled way; they’re preferred at high-foot-traffic points like shopping malls, factories and sports facilities.

When Is a Barrier System Used?

Barriers control vehicle passage; they work integrated with a card reader or license plate recognition system at parking, residential complex and factory vehicle entry/exit points.

Is It Necessary to Use Both Together?

Large facilities with both pedestrian and vehicle traffic (factories, residential complexes, shopping malls) typically install both systems together — a turnstile at the pedestrian entrance, a barrier at the vehicle entrance.

You can browse all our access control options on our Access Control Systems page, and how turnstile systems generally work in this article.

Let’s figure out the right access control combination for your facility together: request a free site survey at +90 505 913 25 39, or reach us through our corporate projects form.

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