A Guide to Access Control Pedestals & Vehicle Terminals

Access-control equipment needs to be positioned at the correct height, accessible to users and protected from weather and the surrounding environment. Access-control pedestals and vehicle terminals provide dedicated mounting locations for card readers, RFID readers, intercoms, keypads, ADA actuators, cameras, ticketing equipment and other security devices.

Pedestals and terminals serve similar purposes but are designed for different applications. Pedestals provide a compact equipment mounting structure, while vehicle terminals provide a larger freestanding enclosure with additional space for equipment, wiring and service access.

Access Control Pedestals

Access-control pedestals provide a dedicated mounting point for security equipment without requiring a large cabinet or wall-mounted enclosure. They are commonly used at vehicle gates, parking entrances, pedestrian entrances, commercial buildings, parking garages and other controlled-access locations.

Depending on the application, pedestals can accommodate:

• Card and RFID readers
• Intercoms and keypads
• ADA actuators
• Entry and exit buttons
• Biometric readers
• Cameras
• Telephone entry systems
• Other access-control equipment

Pedestals are available in different heights and configurations, including single-height, dual-height and architectural models.

Vehicle Access Pedestals

Vehicle-height pedestals position access-control equipment where drivers can conveniently operate it from their vehicles. The correct mounting height depends on the vehicle types using the entrance.

Dual-height pedestals provide two equipment positions within one station, allowing a single access point to accommodate passenger vehicles as well as taller SUVs, pickups, trucks or commercial vehicles.

This configuration can also provide separate internal wiring pathways for upper and lower equipment, depending on the design.

Architectural Pedestals

Architectural access-control pedestals are designed for entrances where the equipment mounting structure is highly visible. Stainless-steel construction, tapered profiles, rounded corners, concealed fastening and custom device cutouts provide a finished appearance suitable for commercial buildings, glass lobbies, hotels, institutional facilities and other high-visibility entrances.

Custom configurations can accommodate specific equipment dimensions, mounting heights, finishes and material requirements.

Vehicle Access Terminals

Vehicle access terminals provide a larger freestanding enclosure for installations requiring multiple or more complex access-control devices.

The additional internal space can accommodate equipment such as:

• Intercoms and video intercoms
• Card and RFID readers
• Cameras
• Keypads
• Ticketing equipment
• Biometric systems
• Other vehicle access-control equipment

The larger enclosure provides room for equipment and wiring while maintaining a finished exterior appearance. Service-access features allow technicians to reach internal components for installation, commissioning and future maintenance.

Vehicle terminals are available in configurations designed for passenger vehicles and taller commercial vehicles, making them useful at parking facilities, commercial properties and entrances serving mixed vehicle traffic.

Installation: Drilling, Trenching & Baseplates

Proper installation should be coordinated with the architectural, structural and electrical design of the entrance.

Pedestals and terminals are generally surface mounted to a concrete pad or other suitable structural foundation using a baseplate and anchors.

For existing concrete, installation typically involves positioning the equipment, marking the baseplate, drilling the concrete and installing appropriate anchors. Anchor selection should be based on the equipment, substrate and project requirements.

For new construction, the foundation, baseplate, conduit and equipment location should be coordinated before the concrete is installed.

Trenching and Conduit

When power, data or communications wiring approaches from below grade, trenching and conduit should be planned before installation. Conduit should terminate at the equipment location without interfering with the baseplate or anchors.

Larger terminal installations may require additional conduit capacity because multiple devices can require separate power, data or communications connections.

Custom Equipment Cutouts

Access-control devices vary in size and mounting configuration. Standard openings accommodate many common readers and controls, while larger or specialized equipment may require custom cutouts, additional mounting holes or a larger pedestal or terminal.

Custom fabrication allows the mounting structure to be designed around the selected equipment rather than forcing the equipment into an unsuitable opening.

Choosing a Pedestal or Terminal

Architectural Coordination

Access-control mounting equipment should be considered early in the project. Architects, contractors and security integrators should coordinate equipment dimensions, mounting height, ADA requirements where applicable, vehicle approach, foundation dimensions, baseplate, anchors, conduit, trenching, electrical service and equipment service access.

The equipment should be positioned for convenient operation while maintaining appropriate pedestrian and vehicle clearances.

Access-Control Mounting Solutions

Access-control pedestals provide compact mounting for individual or multiple devices. Dual-height pedestals accommodate different vehicle heights, while architectural pedestals integrate access-control equipment into prominent entrances. Vehicle terminals provide additional enclosure space for more complex installations.

Proper coordination of mounting height, custom cutouts, baseplates, drilling, anchoring, trenching and conduit helps produce an access-control installation that is functional, serviceable and appropriate for the surrounding architecture.

Security Entrances provides access-control mounting solutions for parking facilities, vehicle gates, commercial buildings, pedestrian entrances, industrial facilities and other controlled-access locations.