Types of turnstile: tripod, full-height, speed gate and pass gate compared
Quick answer
The tripod is the economical, robust turnstile for supervised indoor entrances; the full-height turnstile is the only one that physically prevents entry and suits unattended outdoor use; the speed gate is the fast, good-looking option for lobbies; and the pass gate is the accessible companion for wheelchairs and goods.
Comparison
| Tripod | Full-height | Speed gate | Pass gate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical barrier | Medium: can be jumped | High | Low to medium (by panel height) | Low |
| Throughput | Medium | Low | High | Medium |
| Footprint | Small | Large, and tall | Long | Small |
| Needs nearby supervision | Advisable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair or bulky items | No | No | Yes, in wide version | Yes |
| Typical use | Gyms, factories, canteens | Perimeters, building sites, stadiums | Offices, headquarters | Next to any of the above |
| Relative cost | Low | Medium to high | High | Low to medium |
Tripod turnstile
Three arms that rotate a third of a turn per validation. Simple, tough and compact. Its limits: an agile person can jump it, and it will not take wheelchairs or trolleys, so it always comes with a pass gate. Drop-arm versions let the arm fall on an alarm signal or power loss, leaving the way clear.
Full-height turnstile
A floor-to-ceiling revolving gate of bars. It cannot be jumped or crawled under: it is the only type that works as a closure with nobody watching, which is why it is used on perimeters, building sites, factory changing rooms and night entrances. In return it is slow, bulky, unwelcoming and needs a separate door for evacuation and accessibility.
Speed gate
Swing or sliding glass panels between two cabinets with sensors. It opens by itself, lets people through quickly and detects tailgating. It is the usual choice for offices. It is not an impassable barrier, so it works best within sight of reception. More in our speed gates service.
Pass gate
A motorised or mechanical swing panel, usually 90 cm clear or more. It serves people with reduced mobility, pushchairs and goods, and is usually opened by credential or from reception. See turnstiles and accessibility.
How to choose in four questions
- Will someone be watching? If not, full-height. If so, tripod or speed gate.
- How many people arrive at peak time? Size it with how many turnstiles do I need.
- Indoors or outdoors? Outdoors needs suitable materials and water protection.
- What impression do you want to give? In a corporate reception, a speed gate; in a local gym, a tripod does the job.
What does not change with the type
All must respect evacuation (how), meet safety-in-use requirements if powered (EN 17352) and integrate with the reader and software that decide who gets through.
If you would like us to assess it from your floor plan, this is our turnstile installation service.
Frequently asked questions
Which turnstile is the most secure?
The full-height turnstile, because it is the only one that physically prevents jumping. The others deter and detect, but need supervision.
Is an optical turnstile the same as a speed gate?
In everyday use, yes: both terms describe lanes with sensors and retracting panels. Some purely optical models have no panels at all and only raise an alarm.
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.