The Case for High Glass Options on Speedgates/Speedlanes(swing barrier optical turnstiles)
We at Orion Entrance Control are often asked about the various glass heights offered on our speedgate optical turnstiles (Orion’s OBSG, OBSG-TL, OBSG-H). The following is a discussion of that topic, with a focus on the reasons that a client would choose the highest glass option.
Background:
Orion offers an infinite number of glass barrier heights between 38.5’ and 72”.
Lower glass heights tend to present a more welcoming and open appearance – and are therefore the first consideration by many architects and others who might be driven by aesthetics.
High glass choices are often selected for security-related reasons.
So Why Select High Glass?
Here are some of the primary reasons for selecting higher glass in your design:
- High glass speedgates discourage climb-over attempts in 2 ways. The high glass (especially 72”) is nearly impossible to step or climb over and the cantilever-shaped design brings the glass barrier directly over the pedestal top for added security.
- High glass speedgates present a more secure appearance to would-be perpetrators. Generally, the appearance of high glass is obvious – yet being transparent glass, it detracts very little from the overall attractiveness and open feeling of the entry way.
Some federal industry-specific regulations have specified 72” glass as the minimum required for swing glass speedgates for these reasons as well.
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Conclusion:
Of course, all lobbies with speedgates need to be staffed; speedgates are not recommended for an unstaffed lobby. But it is true that high glass offers higher security, protection against climb-overs, and is a greater deterrent to would-be perpetrators – so it is no surprise that security specifiers concerned with such issues would be more likely to specify the higher glass choices.
We encourage questions and comments on our articles.
Mike McGovern
[email protected]
610-585-7279