A Guide to Full Height Turnstiles
Full height turnstiles provide a secure physical barrier for controlling pedestrian access at facilities where standard waist-high turnstiles are not sufficient. Their full-height construction helps prevent unauthorized entry, tailgating, and climbing over or under the barrier.
Full height turnstiles are available in mechanical and electric configurations, with passage widths ranging from compact pedestrian lanes to wide openings for equipment and materials.
Full Height Turnstile Passage Widths
Common passage widths include:
- 27" – Compact pedestrian access
- 28" – General-purpose pedestrian traffic
- 31" – Additional clearance
- 39" – Wider pedestrian and equipment access
- 47" – Wide equipment and material passage
- 48" – Maximum-clearance applications
The required passage width should be selected based on the type of traffic, equipment, carts, bicycles, or materials moving through the entrance.
Mechanical or Electric?
Mechanical full height turnstiles operate without electrical power and provide simple, reliable control of pedestrian movement. They are well suited for locations where access control electronics are not required.
Electric full height turnstiles can connect to access control systems, card readers, keypads, biometric readers, and other credentialing systems. Electric configurations can control entry, exit, or both directions.
Construction and Finishes
Full height turnstiles are available in heavy-duty welded steel, galvanized steel, powder-coated steel, and architectural aluminum/polycarbonate construction.
For outdoor installations, galvanized or weather-resistant finishes can provide additional protection from the elements. Powder-coated models are available in standard colors, with custom RAL colors available on many configurations.
Security Applications
Full height turnstiles are commonly used for:
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Construction sites
- Schools and universities
- Corporate campuses
- Stadiums and arenas
- Utilities and critical infrastructure
- Government facilities
- Perimeter and fence-line security
They can be configured for single or multiple lanes, one-way or two-way traffic, manual or controlled operation, depending on the application.
Access Control and Security
Electric models can integrate with virtually any standard access control system. Depending on the configuration, options may include:
- Card and proximity readers
- RFID
- Keypads
- Biometric readers
- Push-button controls
- Remote controls
- Passage counters
- Emergency/fire alarm release
Full height construction provides a greater physical barrier than conventional pedestrian turnstiles and can help limit unauthorized passage and piggybacking.
Indoor and Outdoor Installation
Full height turnstiles can be installed indoors or outdoors, depending on the selected construction and finish.
Most units are surface mounted to a concrete foundation. Installation should account for finished floor elevations, anchor locations, electrical conduit, access-control wiring, and required overhead clearance.
Portable full height turnstiles are also available for construction sites and temporary security applications.
ADA Access and Canopies
All turnstiles can be ordered with a companion ADA gate with a 36" or 48" free passageway.
Canopies can provide an anti-climb-over feature and can be ordered as a half canopy for entry side only.
Choosing the Right Full Height Turnstile
When selecting a full height turnstile, consider:
- Passage width – Determine what people and equipment need to pass through.
- Operation – Choose mechanical or electric.
- Location – Indoor, outdoor, perimeter, or temporary installation.
- Access control – Determine whether integration with an existing system is required.
- Construction and finish – Select the appropriate material and weather protection.
- ADA access – Include a companion ADA gate where required.
Full Height Turnstiles for Controlled Access
From compact pedestrian passages to 48" wide openings, full height turnstiles provide a durable solution for facilities requiring controlled pedestrian access and a stronger physical barrier. The correct configuration depends primarily on the required passage width, operating method, environment, and access-control requirements.
SecurityEntrances offers full height turnstile configurations for industrial, commercial, institutional, construction, and perimeter security applications.
