What is the difference between a turnstile and a flap barrier?

Mastery of right of access is important to control the traffic, and to provide security in different organizations. There are two solutions that are widely used, turnstiles and flap barriers but have different advantages. However, you will not have to go hunting around the internet to gather information about these systems and compare them in order to select the most suitable one for yourself as this will be done in this article for you.

The only major difference is that of structure, function and roles that the turnstile and flap barriers play in managing access in a given area.

1. Design and Mechanism

Turnstile:

A turnstile often comprises of rotating flat rods (usually 3 or 4) that revolve round the central pivot.

It is like getting through the door by either having to push or rotate the bars after the ticket has been inserted or an ID card swiped.

With reference to the revolving bars, turnstiles may be hand operated, whereby one needs to push or pull the bars and the other type is the motorized whereby the bars are rotated electrically.

Flap Barrier:

A flap barrier is a form of barrier that involves one or more horizontal flaps or wings which open and close to either permit or prevent traffic.

The flaps usually open in response to the access card or ticket and the flap will close as soon as the user gets through.

Flaps are also transparent or opaque, The flaps can be constructed of acrylic or glass.

2. Functionality

Turnstile:

Ranges from aesthetical main doors of shops and offices, to gates of traffic congested bus terminals or train stations whose major purpose is to control the numbers of people allowed to enter at a given time.

Its more of a physical barrier to getting in as people have to turn the turnstile in order to get inside the structure.

Can be less convenient because people need to step into the turnstile to get by and moreover, it can be less spacious.

Flap Barrier:

Usually provides a smoother traffic flow because users only swipe a card or lift a flap and the flaps open.

Said to be more modern and esthetically pleasing than their more or less curved counterparts.

Compared to standard turnstiles it is more secure since it is difficult to jam to means of giving access for the people who are authorized to do so.

3. Security

Turnstile:

While physical, oTurnstiles can physically stop people against tailgating (unauthorized people following someone through) but definitely can be easily ‘closed’ from behind with more force, and the wrong use of turnstiles.

oLess secure in some orientations to anyone other deciding to leap over or crawl underneath the bars.

Flap Barrier:

On flexibility flap barriers stands out as being more secure in that they are difficult to breach. For practical use, the flaps shut immediately; thus, it is nearly impossible to let in more than one person at a time.

oThey afford a higher level of protection against downstream bumping because the flaps stay shut for anyone who does not have the right pass.

4. Applications

Turnstile:

p:It was observed in sports facilities, transport terminals, amusement parks, and any other places where it becomes possible to regulate people’s movement.

Flap Barrier:

pMostly deployed in working complexed, subway stations, shopping malls, and such other places where appearance as well as free movement of people is given paramount importance in high-security areas.

5. Space and Aesthetics:

Turnstile:

May occupy more space and can come off as a little more cold or functional.

Flap Barrier:

Occupies less space on the counter top, has sleeker look and appearance, and can easily fit into higher class or better retail outlets.

TURNSTILES Turnstiles are more or less automatic and are used for controlling the large crowd with concern to the issue of access to a particular area.

Flap barriers are more stylish and convenient with sleek looks, provide better and easy access and enhanced security with automatic doors or flaps. More specifically, they are typically employed in higher end or more heavily regulated applications.