Turnstile installation: what to prepare in the floor, power and network
Quick answer
A turnstile needs a firm, level floor to fix to, a conduit to its base for power and data, a protected electrical circuit, a network point for the controller and enough space before and after the lane. Planning all this before the floor is laid avoids opening up a finished floor.
1. The floor
- Firm and level. Turnstiles are anchored to the slab or screed. On a floating or raised floor a base or reinforcement is needed.
- What lies beneath. Underfloor heating, pipes, conduits or a waterproof membrane limit where you can drill. Ask for drawings first.
- Expansion joints. A cabinet must not straddle a joint.
- Outdoors. A concrete base with a fall to shed water.
2. Conduits
Power and signal cables (data, readers, alarm signal) must reach each base in separate conduits. A speed gate also needs a link conduit under the lane between its two cabinets.
- New build or refurbishment: conduits embedded before the floor is laid.
- Finished floor: chase and reinstate, floor trunking or raised floor.
3. Power
- A circuit from the board with its own breaker and RCD protection.
- Voltage and load as per the manufacturer's data sheet.
- Earth connection.
- Backup power if they must work in an outage. Decide first what they should do without power: go free or stay locked (evacuation).
4. Network and control
- A network point for the controller or the turnstile itself, depending on the system.
- A protected location for the controller and power supply.
- A cable to the fire panel for the release signal.
- A cable to reception if there is a manual release button.
5. Space
- Total width: turnstiles, cabinets and the accessible gate added together (how many you need).
- Clear depth before and after, so queues do not form in a doorway or on stairs.
- Side closure (railing or glass) so the line cannot be bypassed.
- A step-free accessible route (accessibility).
- Access to open the cabinets for maintenance.
Who does what
| Task | Usually done by |
|---|---|
| Conduits and floor reinstatement | Building contractor |
| Electrical circuit to the point | Authorised electrician |
| Network point | Telecoms installer or IT |
| Fixing, wiring and commissioning | Turnstile installer |
| Fire panel signal | Fire protection maintainer |
The quote should state explicitly which items are included and which are not (how to compare quotes).
Common mistakes
- Laying the floor before deciding where the turnstiles go.
- One conduit for both power and data.
- Forgetting the cable to the fire panel.
- Cabinets so close to the wall that they cannot be opened.
For a site visit and a pre-installation drawing, this is our turnstile installation service.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to install a turnstile?
With pre-installation done, fixing and commissioning are usually quick; what stretches the schedule is conduit work and coordination with other trades. It depends on the case.
Can it be installed on a raised floor?
Yes, but the turnstile is not fixed to the tiles: it needs a frame or base that transfers loads to the slab.
This guide is for information only and is not a substitute for legal advice or for the technical design of each installation. Regulations change: always check the current text at the official source.