When it comes to access control,tripod turnstiles, boom barriers, and crash-rated bollardsserve different yet complementary purposes. The effectiveness of each depends on the type of security required, the area of installation, and the level of access restriction needed. While tripod turnstiles control pedestrian movement, boom barriers manage vehicular access, and crash-rated bollards provide high-impact security against unauthorized vehicles. Understanding their specific roles helps in determining the best security solution for different scenarios.
Tripod turnstilesare ideal for regulating foot traffic in controlled environments such as office buildings, stadiums, and metro stations. These waist-high barriers allow only one person to pass at a time, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot tailgate behind an authorized entry. They can be integrated with biometric or RFID access systems for added security. However, they are not suitable for vehicle access control, which is where boom barriers and crash-rated bollards come into play.
Boom barriersare widely used for controlling vehicle entry and exit in areas such as parking lots, toll booths, and gated communities. They function as a physical deterrent by preventing unauthorized vehicles from passing through until access is granted. Automated boom barriers, equipped with RFID or license plate recognition, enhance efficiency by allowing seamless access for authorized vehicles. However, they are not designed to stop high-speed impact from vehicles attempting forced entry, which is where crash-rated bollards prove to be more effective.
Crash-rated bollardsare specifically engineered to withstand vehicle crashes and prevent unauthorized vehicle access to restricted zones. These bollards are commonly used around government buildings, embassies, and high-security areas where protection against vehicle-borne threats is essential. Unlike boom barriers, which primarily regulate traffic flow, crash-rated bollards serve as a permanent security measure against deliberate ramming attacks. When installed alongside boom barriers and tripod turnstiles, they create a multi-layered security system.