Speedgates, also known as swing barrier optical turnstiles, are a common feature in campus security designs, particularly for colleges and universities in urban settings. We are frequently asked to assist with the planning and integration of speedgate installations.
Urban colleges, universities and other educational campuses have unique characteristics that influence recommendations for security products and features. City campuses often face heavy public foot traffic near building entrances and passersby frequently have a clear view of these entryways and lobbies.
Students, parents and visitors want to feel assured that the campus is safe and that security measures are obvious and well-presented.
Space for access control and physical security equipment on these campuses is often limited, particularly in retrofit projects. Additionally, peak entry and exit times can create very high traffic volumes through security doors, making the choice of access control products critical.
In the following Q&A, we provide practical recommendations to help select the best design for each location and application.
1. Why choose speedgates instead of mechanical turnstiles?
When most people think of turnstiles, they imagine traditional mechanical type, either waist-high tripods or full-height barriers, typically sturdy but clunky.
But modern speedgate optical turnstiles are sleek, visually appealing, and most importantly, more secure, making them a more prominent choice in security solutions for educational campuses.
Speedgates contain smart technology that detects intrusions and sounds an alarm on uncredentialed entries or unauthorized exits. Some speedgates also include optional features such as crawl-over/crawl-under protection and superior tailgate detection to further improve security.
Some lanes can be remotely monitored for security, providing alarm reports, occupancy data and lane diagnostics for preventative maintenance and service planning. These capabilities make them particularly well-suited for educational campuses seeking a secure yet welcoming entry experience.
2. Which speedgate type is typically selected for higher-ed campuses: Retracting or swinging barriers?
Speedgates generally come in two varieties: swing glass/arm barriers or sliding/retracting barriers. For higher education applications, we typically recommend the swinging barriers variety and here’s why:
Swing glass speedgate turnstiles are designed to handle high volumes of users, including those unfamiliar with the system. They are built to be intuitive and generally require little to no prior training: the reader/authentication device location is clear and intuitive, the lane status indicators provide a real-time visual lane status (green for go, red for stop), and the barriers swing bi-directionally away from the user.
This design allows users to begin entering immediately upon badge read, creating a smooth, efficient pass-through. Multiple individuals can badge and pass consecutively as long as credentials are valid, enabling very high throughput, ideal for busy campus entrances.
3. Which speedgate swinging barrier is typically selected for higher-ed campuses: Glass or arm barriers?
Swinging barrier speedgates can have either arm/bar or glass barriers. While arm barriers were once more common, glass barriers have become the preferred choice in recent years.
Why? The reason is twofold:
- Aesthetics: Glass panels create a more welcoming, modern appearance that aligns with the architectural style of today’s campus facilities.
- Security perception and deterrence: The transparent yet substantial look of glass barriers often conveys a stronger sense of security and, in practice, can provide greater deterrence against unauthorized entry.
4. What swing glass barrier options are available for speedgates?
Swing glass speedgates are available in a range of glass barrier heights. A low glass system provides barriers below the height of the pedestal tops, approximately 35” above finished floor. Alternatively, barriers are available in glass barrier heights up to 72” above finished floor.
Lower-height swing glass barriers are specified in environments such as corporate lobbies because the architectural designers prefer the open, unobstructed look.
However, for the higher education campuses, we recommend medium-height swing glass barriers, approximately. 48-inch to 60-inch.
Why medium height?
- Barriers in the 48-inch to 60-inch range provide a strong balance of security and aesthetics.
- They discourage climb-over attempts both visually (appearing more secure) and physically (harder to bypass).
- They maintain a welcoming appearance for students, faculty, and visitors – important for spaces like dorms, classroom buildings, libraries, fitness centers, and other common areas.
What about maximum height (72 inches)?
While 72-inch glass barriers deliver the highest level of physical and visual deterrence, many campus security directors find them unnecessary and also unfriendly in appearance. As a result, medium-height panels are the most common choice in higher-ed environments.
