Should You Add Turnstiles to Your Perimeter Fence?

It’s common to see turnstiles in train stations, subways, and buildings that need to control access, but they’re also a helpful addition to a perimeter security fence system. They allow you to manage and monitor pedestrian entry and can be integrated with various access control systems. In places like Phoenix, where businesses often look for ways to maintain a secure perimeter in a busy environment, turnstiles can serve as an effective solution.

Let’s take a closer look at what turnstiles are, how they can be part of an integrated perimeter security fence system, and where you should (and shouldn’t) use them.

What Are Turnstiles?

Turnstiles are, as the name suggests, a barrier that turns when a person enters or exits an area. They usually permit movement in one direction at a time, making them particularly helpful at control points where you need to verify or limit access. You’ll often see them in commercial settings that require trackable entry for employees or visitors, and also in higher-security applications where unauthorized entry must be prevented.

What Are Turnstiles Made Of?

Turnstiles are most commonly constructed from durable metals such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. In locations like Arizona—especially the greater Phoenix area—proper coatings or rust-resistant metals (such as galvanized steel) can be important for longevity. Turnstiles that are exposed to intense sun, high temperatures, or monsoon conditions should be carefully chosen and installed with local conditions in mind to reduce corrosion and wear.

What Kind of Turnstiles Are There?

There are a wide variety of turnstiles, from waist-height, coin or card-operated versions in subways to full-height turnstiles that prevent people from climbing over and bypassing security. Smaller, waist-height turnstiles are a good option for environments with moderate security demands, while full-height turnstiles are often found in areas requiring stricter control.

Turnstiles can be manually operated—where you physically push to rotate them—or automated with electronic mechanisms. A common automated feature is a locking mechanism that only unlocks when a coin is inserted, a card is swiped, or an access code is entered. This option is popular for public transit, corporate buildings, and any facility where you need to collect payment or validate access before entry.

Because there are so many variations of turnstiles at very different price points, it’s typically best to work with a specialist to ensure you select models that meet your site and security requirements.

What Safety Considerations Do You Need to Be Aware Of?

If you plan to install turnstiles, remember that most standard models function in one direction, which can be a concern when it comes to emergency exits. To address this, you may need to install at least one gate equipped with panic hardware, ensuring people can exit quickly if there’s an emergency without compromising your security.

There are also specialized HEET (High Entrance/Exit Turnstile) models that allow entry and exit in both directions. While they provide greater versatility, these advanced designs also tend to come with higher costs. In any case, it’s important to check relevant building and fire codes to ensure your turnstiles are code-compliant and safe for your facility’s intended use.

Where Should You Consider Installing Turnstiles?

Turnstiles can be a strong addition in a range of settings where controlled access is desired. Commercial and corporate premises often use them for employees who must swipe or tap access cards. Leisure and entertainment venues like zoos, water parks, and other attractions frequently rely on turnstiles for paid entry control. They can also be placed at pedestrian entrances to a guarded facility, allowing security personnel to monitor who enters the premises.

In many Arizona facilities—whether in downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, or Chandler—turnstiles can become a key part of a perimeter fence system if you need to limit or track those passing through. If you’re designing a fence project where you’d like to manage one-way pedestrian entry, consider whether a turnstile aligns with your security and traffic-flow requirements.

Western Fence Co. provides high-quality perimeter security solutions, including fence installation and gate automation, for commercial, industrial, and residential properties throughout the Phoenix metro area. If you’re looking for a reliable way to integrate turnstiles or other security features into your next project, learn more about our Phoenix fence installation services.