A Guide to Tandem Turnstiles
Tandem turnstiles, also called double turnstiles or dual-lane turnstiles, combine two controlled pedestrian passageways into a single integrated structure. They provide the security and pedestrian capacity of two full height turnstiles while generally requiring less overall installation width than two separate units.
Tandem turnstiles are commonly used at industrial facilities, warehouses, distribution centers, data centers, construction sites, secured campuses, stadiums and perimeter entrances where increased pedestrian capacity is required.
Configurations include manual and electric operation, multiple passage widths, galvanized steel, powder-coated steel, 304 stainless steel, aluminum, clear architectural panels and portable designs.
Why Use a Tandem Turnstile?
The primary advantage is two controlled pedestrian lanes within one coordinated assembly. This can reduce the overall width required compared with installing two independent full height turnstiles and provides greater pedestrian capacity during shift changes and other high-traffic periods.
Depending on the model, each lane can be configured for entry, exit or bi-directional traffic, allowing the tandem entrance to match the pedestrian flow and security requirements of the facility.
Passage Widths
Tandem turnstiles are available with different clear passage widths. The Security Entrances product range includes approximately 28", 30" and 31" passageways, depending on the selected model.
The passage dimension refers to each individual lane, not the overall width of the tandem assembly. Overall dimensions vary by model, so the approved product drawing should be used when planning the architectural opening and surrounding clearances.
Manual or Electric Operation
Manual tandem turnstiles provide mechanically controlled passage without requiring electrical power for normal operation. Key-lock controls can be used to establish free or locked passage by direction. These models are particularly useful for industrial and perimeter applications where electronic credential control is unnecessary.
Electric tandem turnstiles allow the two lanes to integrate with the facility's access-control system. Depending on the model, each lane and direction can be independently controlled, allowing both lanes to provide controlled entry and exit or allowing different traffic patterns for each lane.
Access Control Ready
Access Control Ready: Electric tandem turnstiles are compatible with access-control systems where a low-voltage or dry-contact signal is presented by the control panel to release the turnstile for passage, where supported by the selected model.
This allows integration with card readers, proximity credentials, RFID systems, biometric readers, intercoms and other access-control equipment. Fail-safe/fail-secure operation, power requirements and fire-system interfaces should be confirmed for the selected model.
Materials and Finishes
Tandem turnstiles are available in several materials and finishes to accommodate both environmental and architectural requirements.
Hot-dip galvanized steel provides corrosion protection and is commonly specified for outdoor perimeter, industrial and high-use applications.
Powder-coated steel provides a more architectural appearance and is available in a variety of standard and custom colors. Some models can also be supplied with powder coating over galvanized steel for additional corrosion protection.
304 stainless steel, commonly provided with a No. 4 satin finish, offers corrosion resistance combined with a clean architectural appearance and is available on several tandem full-height configurations.
Aluminum and polycarbonate configurations provide a lighter architectural appearance, while tandem models with clear curved yokes or clear yokes and clear rotating arms provide improved sight lines for interior and transitional security entrances.
Material selection should consider indoor or outdoor exposure, corrosion resistance, architectural appearance and maintenance requirements.
Portable and Modular Tandem Turnstiles
Portable tandem turnstiles provide two controlled full-height lanes without requiring the entrance to remain permanently located. These systems are particularly useful for construction sites, temporary facilities and changing perimeter layouts.
Some designs incorporate forklift pockets that allow the complete tandem assembly to be repositioned as the project progresses.
Another approach uses individual portable turnstiles linked side-by-side. Two units can create a tandem entrance, while additional units can be added to create three or more lanes. This allows the pedestrian entrance to expand, contract or relocate as site requirements change.
Heavy-duty enclosed tandem systems are also available for large construction and infrastructure projects where the turnstiles and access-control equipment need additional protection.
Indoor and Outdoor Applications
Tandem turnstiles can be specified for indoor or outdoor applications, depending on the selected construction and model.
Galvanized steel and appropriately protected powder-coated configurations are commonly used for exterior installations. 304 stainless steel can be selected where corrosion resistance and architectural appearance are important. Aluminum and clear-panel configurations are particularly useful for architectural and interior entrances.
Cold-weather packages, weatherization and canopies are available on certain models for more demanding environments.
Installation
Most permanent tandem turnstiles are surface mounted and mechanically anchored to a level structural surface, typically concrete.
Installation planning should account for the complete turnstile footprint, anchor locations, rotor clearances, pedestrian approaches, adjacent fencing or walls and companion gates.
Electric models also require coordination of power and low-voltage access-control wiring. New construction allows conduit to be installed before the concrete or finished floor is completed. Existing installations may require drilling, trenching or core drilling for anchors and concealed wiring.
Final anchor locations, baseplate dimensions, conduit entries and electrical stub-ups should always be coordinated from the approved drawings for the selected turnstile before drilling or concrete work begins.
Portable tandem models have different installation requirements and may use a forklift-ready platform instead of permanent floor anchoring.
ADA Companion Gates
Tandem turnstiles can be paired with a companion ADA gate with a 36" or 48" free passageway where a wider controlled route is required.
The wider gate can also accommodate carts, deliveries, equipment and other traffic that cannot conveniently pass through the standard turnstile passageway.
Canopies and Anti-Climb Protection
Canopies are available for selected tandem full height turnstiles and can provide weather protection and an anti-climb-over feature. Depending on the model, a full canopy or half canopy covering the passageway or entry side may be available.
Canopy dimensions and structural requirements should be coordinated with the selected turnstile and surrounding architecture.
Planning a Tandem Turnstile Entrance
Before ordering, determine the available opening width, required passage width, expected pedestrian volume, traffic direction, manual or electric operation, indoor or outdoor environment, material/finish and access-control requirements.
For electric models, determine which credentials will be used, whether both directions require controlled access, desired fail-safe/fail-secure operation and required fire-system integration.
For outdoor installations, also consider weather exposure, corrosion resistance, drainage, temperature range and canopy requirements. Portable applications should consider how frequently the entrance will move and whether additional lanes may be required later.
Selecting the Right Tandem Turnstile
A galvanized tandem is a strong choice for rugged exterior and industrial installations, while 304 stainless steel or powder-coated models provide additional architectural finish options. Aluminum and clear-panel configurations provide a more open appearance for highly visible entrances.
Manual models provide straightforward mechanical control, while electric models integrate the two lanes with the facility's access-control system. For construction sites and temporary entrances, portable and expandable tandem systems provide greater flexibility.
Regardless of configuration, the primary advantage remains the same: two controlled full height pedestrian lanes integrated into one coordinated security entrance.
