loading

Bolan - Leading Security Turnstile Gate Manufacturer & Supplier Since 2011

What are the fail-safe and fail-secure modes of the full height turnstile?

2026-04-29

Fail-safe and fail-secure modes define how a full height turnstile responds during power failure, emergency situations, or system faults. Bolan full height turnstiles support configurable security logic to meet different application requirements, balancing safety, security, and operational continuity.

Full height turnstiles are widely used in high-security environments such as stadiums, factories, airports, industrial facilities, government buildings, and restricted areas. The correct failure mode selection depends on the security level, emergency regulations, and access control strategy of the project.

What is the fail-safe mode of a full height turnstile?

Fail-safe mode means the turnstile automatically releases access or unlocks during a power failure or emergency condition, allowing authorized evacuation or free passage.

In fail-safe operation:

  • The locking mechanism is released when power is lost
  • The rotor can rotate freely or the passage can be opened depending on the configuration
  • Emergency evacuation requirements can be supported
  • Users can exit safely during fire alarms or emergency situations

Fail-safe mode is commonly selected for:

  • Emergency exits
  • Public buildings
  • Stadium evacuation routes
  • Facilities with strict life-safety requirements

The priority of fail-safe mode is:

Life Safety > Access Security

What is the fail-secure mode of a full height turnstile?

Fail-secure mode means the turnstile remains locked during power failure, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining security protection.

In fail-secure operation:

  • The locking system remains engaged when power is interrupted
  • Unauthorized entry is prevented
  • Restricted areas remain protected
  • Security personnel can maintain controlled access

Fail-secure mode is commonly used for:

  • Important or Dangerous Factories
  • Data centers
  • Military facilities
  • Critical infrastructure
  • High-security restricted areas

The priority of fail-secure mode is:

Security Protection > Free Access


Can Bolan full height turnstiles support both fail-safe and fail-secure configurations?

Yes. As an OEM and ODM full height turnstile manufacturer, Bolan can configure security logic according to project requirements.

Depending on the application, customization options include:

  • Fail-safe or fail-secure operation
  • Emergency release configuration
  • Fire alarm integration
  • Access control system connection
  • Directional access control
  • Remote management interface
  • Customized controller logic

The final configuration depends on:

  • Building safety regulations
  • Security level requirements
  • Access control system design
  • Local emergency standards

How does a full height turnstile work during a power failure?

During a power interruption, the controller evaluates the configured security mode:

Fail-safe configuration:

Power failure → Lock released → Passage available according to emergency settings

Fail-secure configuration:

Power failure → Lock remains engaged → Unauthorized access prevented

For projects requiring both security and emergency compliance, Bolan engineers can provide customized solutions combining:

  • Emergency exit control
  • Backup power supply
  • Fire alarm linkage
  • Access management systems

Which mode should I choose for my project?

The correct choice depends on the application:

Application Recommended Mode
Stadium public entrance Fail-safe / emergency release
Factory employee entrance Fail-secure
Data center Fail-secure
Airport restricted area Fail-secure with emergency override
Government facility Usually fail-secure
Emergency evacuation route Fail-safe

Bolan's engineering team can help customers select the appropriate configuration based on security requirements, pedestrian flow, and local regulations.


Can Bolan customize full height turnstiles for different security requirements?

Yes. Bolan provides OEM and ODM full height turnstile solutions, including customized mechanical structures, access control integration, emergency functions, materials, finishes, and control logic.

Customers can provide:

  • Project drawings
  • Security requirements
  • Access control specifications
  • Emergency operation requirements

Bolan can develop a suitable full height turnstile solution for stadiums, factories, airports, industrial facilities, and other controlled-access environments.

In summary, fail-safe and fail-secure modes determine how a full height turnstile behaves during power loss or emergency situations. Fail-safe prioritizes safe evacuation, while fail-secure prioritizes security protection. Bolan supports customized configurations to meet different project requirements.

What are the fail-safe and fail-secure modes of the full height turnstile? 1

prev
What is a full height turnstile, and when should I specify it?
How does a full height turnstile stop tailgating and bypass?
next
Related questions
4
How Durable Is a Typical Tripod Turnstile, and What’s Its Service Life?

A quality tripod turnstile is designed for long-term, high-frequency pedestrian access control. Its actual service life depends on the model, operating cycles, pedestrian traffic, installation environment, and maintenance.

For BOLAN heavy-duty electronic tripod turnstiles, such as the BLS-T301, BLS-T302 and BLS-T303, applicable models are designed for more than 5 million operating cycles under specified conditions. For example, the BLS-T302 uses a hydraulic shock-absorbing mechanism to support smooth and reliable operation.

However, a cycle rating should not be treated as a guaranteed service-life period. A tripod turnstile installed in a high-traffic factory, stadium or transportation facility will experience more wear than one installed in a low-traffic office.

To maximize service life, select the appropriate model for the expected traffic, use the correct material and IP protection for the environment, ensure proper installation, and perform regular maintenance.

For project specifications, BOLAN recommends checking the cycle rating and technical specifications of the specific tripod turnstile model rather than applying one service-life figure to all models.

5
Which Access Control Systems Are Compatible with Tripod Turnstiles?

BOLAN tripod turnstiles are compatible with a wide range of access control systems, including RFID card readers, QR code scanners, facial recognition terminals, fingerprint readers, NFC devices, and other electronic access control systems.

The turnstile can receive an access authorization signal from the connected access control system and automatically unlock the passage when a user is successfully authenticated. Depending on the model and controller configuration, integration can support interfaces such as RS232, RS485, TCP/IP, and dry contact.

For projects requiring centralized access management, tripod turnstiles can also be integrated with attendance systems, visitor management systems, building access control platforms, and other third-party solutions.

BOLAN supports OEM and ODM customization, allowing the access control configuration, reader installation, communication interface, and other requirements to be adapted to specific project needs.

For a specific project, confirm the required access control device and interface with BOLAN before ordering to ensure compatibility.

6
What Wiring Is Required for Electronic Tripod Turnstiles?

Electronic tripod turnstiles typically require power wiring, access control signal wiring, and communication wiring, depending on the model and project configuration.

For a BOLAN electronic tripod turnstile, the main connections generally include:

  • Power supply: AC power input for the turnstile controller and drive system.
  • Access control: Signal connections from RFID card readers, QR scanners, facial recognition terminals, fingerprint readers, or other access control devices.
  • Exit and control devices: Connections for push buttons, remote controls, fire alarm signals, or other authorized opening devices when required.
  • Communication: Depending on the controller, interfaces may include RS232, RS485, TCP/IP, or dry contact for integration with external systems.

The exact wiring configuration varies by tripod turnstile model, controller, access control system, and site requirements. BOLAN can provide the relevant wiring diagram and terminal information for the selected model.

For installation, follow the wiring diagram supplied with the specific BOLAN model and have electrical connections completed by qualified personnel.

GET IN TOUCH WITH Us
Contact us
whatsapp
Contact customer service
Contact us
whatsapp
cancel
Customer service
detect