5 Disadvantages Of Turnstile Gate With Access Control (And How To Prevent It)

When securing a commercial or industrial facility, many managers overlook the disadvantages of turnstile gate with access control until after installation, leading to unexpected bottlenecks and maintenance headaches. While these systems are excellent for managing pedestrian flow and preventing tailgating, they are not a perfect solution for every environment. Understanding the limitations of turnstile gates—from physical obstructions in emergencies to high maintenance costs—is crucial for making an informed purchasing decision. Below, we break down the five major drawbacks and, more importantly, provide actionable prevention strategies to mitigate each risk.

Here are the five installation mistakes we see most often — and the practical steps you can take to steer clear of each one.

What Are Turnstile Gates With Access Control?

A turnstile gate with access control is a physical security barrier, typically consisting of rotating arms, tripod bars, or full-height glass doors, that integrates with an electronic authentication system. Logically, this system functions as a “permission checkpoint” rather than just a physical barrier. The core components include:

• Authentication Reader: RFID cards, biometric scanners (fingerprint/face), or QR code readers that verify credentials.
• Locking Mechanism: A solenoid or motor that releases the turnstile only upon approved access.
• Pedestrian Barrier: The rotating arms or flaps that physically restrict passage.
• Controller Board: The logic unit that communicates with the access control software to log entries and enforce rules (e.g., one pass per person).

When an authorized credential is presented, the turnstile unlocks for one rotation or swing, allowing a single individual to pass before resetting to a locked position.

The Disadvantages Of Turnstile Gate With Access Control & How To Fix It

1. Emergency Egress & Panic Risks

The most critical disadvantage is that standard turnstile gates can trap people during a fire, earthquake, or active shooter event. Traditional locking turnstiles require a card or biometric scan to exit, which contradicts fire codes requiring immediate free egress.

How To Prevent It:
Install “fail-safe” turnstiles that automatically drop arms or unlock all barriers when connected to the fire alarm system. Alternatively, use waist-high optical turnstiles with swinging glass doors that can be pushed open in an emergency, or place a dedicated emergency push-bar exit gate adjacent to the turnstile line.

2. Low Throughput

Even the fastest biometric turnstile processes only 15–25 people per minute per lane. During shift changes or lunch hours, this creates long queues. The problem worsens if employees forget their badges or have dirty/wet fingerprints that cause repeated read errors.

How To Prevent It:

• Deploy multi-factor readers that combine card + face recognition (allowing hands-free verification).
• Use “fast lane” optical turnstiles with a 35–40 person/minute capacity.
• Implement a backup mobile credential system so employees can use their smartphones if RFID cards fail.

3. Mechanical Failure

The moving parts in tripod arms and motorized flaps are subject to wear and tear. Dust, rain (for outdoor units), and repeated impact from heavy bags or carts can misalign sensors or break the locking solenoid. A single jammed turnstile can force your entire security team to manually verify everyone.

How To Prevent It:

• Choose brushless DC motor turnstiles (e.g., ZKTeco’s ProMA series) which have 5x longer lifespan than brushed motors.
• Schedule quarterly lubrication and sensor cleaning.
• Install weather-proof hoods for outdoor units.
• Keep one spare turnstile lane as a “hot standby” that can be swapped in under 10 minutes.

4. Limited Accessibility

Standard 550mm-wide tripod turnstiles cannot accommodate wheelchairs, bicycles, large toolboxes, or delivery carts. Disabled employees or visitors with crutches also struggle to balance while swiping a card and pushing through a rotating arm. This often forces facilities to leave an adjacent gate permanently open, defeating security.

How To Prevent It:

• Install wide lane optical turnstiles (900mm to 1200mm clear opening) that detect wheelchairs and allow smooth passage.
• Add a separate, staffed accessible gate with a swing door that unlocks via a push-button accessible at wheelchair height.
• Use floor-mounted presence sensors to hold the turnstile open longer for slow-moving individuals.

5. Tailgating & Piggybacking

Many buyers assume turnstiles completely prevent unauthorized entry, but standard tripod units only detect one rotation per card swipe. A skilled tailgater can press tightly behind an authorized user and slip through before the arm resets. Optical turnstiles with infrared sensors also fail if someone jumps over or crawls under.

How To Prevent It:

• Deploy full-height turnstiles (like ZKTeco’s FHT series) with floor-to-ceiling bars that physically prevent climbing over.
• Add anti-tailgating sensors with directional logic and weight plates that trigger an alarm if two people enter in one authorization.
• Integrate with AI security cameras that send real-time alerts to guards when tailgating is detected.

Recommended ZKTeco Turnstile Gates (To Avoid These Disadvantages)

If you want to mitigate the five disadvantages above without overcomplicating your installation, ZKTeco offers several turnstile models engineered specifically to solve these pain points. Here are three top recommendations:

1. ZKTECO MTS1000 Tripod Turnstile

ZKTeco MTS1000 Key Features and Technical Specifications:

• Structure: Made of SUS304 stainless steel, offering durability with a compact footprint, making it ideal for restricted spaces.
• Operation: Provides bi-directional (entry/exit) control with LED pictograms for user guidance.
• Emergency Mode: The arm automatically drops down in the event of a power outage or emergency for safe, fast evacuation.
• Throughput Rate: Capable of handling up to 25 passengers per minute (RFID) or 20 per minute (fingerprint).

2. ZKTECO FBL4200-Pro Flap Turnstile

ZKTeco FBL4200-Pro Key Features and Technical Specifications:

• Dual-Lane Design: It acts as the center unit in a multi-lane setup, controlling two lanes simultaneously to maximize space and throughput.
• Automatic Retraction: Barriers retract upward during emergencies to ensure clear passage.
• Power Failure Protection: With an optional capacitor board or battery, barriers automatically retract if power is lost.
• Throughput Rate: Supports up to 30 people per minute with RFID and 25 per minute with fingerprint verification.
• Build Quality: Constructed from durable SUS304 stainless steel with acrylic flaps and a smooth finish with no exposed screws

3. ZKTECO SBTL500 Swing Barrier Turnstile

ZKTeco SBTL500 Key Features and Technical Specifications:

• Mechanism: The barrier swings automatically upon successful authentication, allowing for bi-directional passage.
• Durability: It is constructed from SUS304 stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.
• Throughput Rate: Can process up to 30 people per minute, facilitating efficient traffic flow.
• Emergency Mode: Barriers unlock automatically during power outages, allowing users to push them open easily for safe evacuation
• Anti-Pinch: Features a smooth finish with no exposed screws to prevent accidental injury during use.

4. ZKTECO SBT2000S Single Lane Swing Barrier Turnstile

ZKTeco SBT2000S Key Features and Technical Specifications:

• Wide Passage: Features a standard lane width of 800 mm, which can be optionally extended up to 920 mm.
• Reliability: Built with a high-durability mechanism boasting an MCBF (Mean Cycles Between Failure) of 5 million.
• Anti-Collision: Integrated infrared sensors at the bottom prevent the barrier from closing if an obstruction is detected.
• Emergency Mode: During power outages or emergencies, the barrier unlocks automatically, allowing it to be pushed open manually for rapid exit.
• Cabinet Material: Standard models use cold-rolled sheet, with SUS304 stainless steel available as an option for higher durability.

5. ZKTECO FHT2400D Full Height Turnstile

ZKTeco FHT2400D Key Features and Technical Specifications:

• Dual-Lane Throughput: The “D” in FHT2400D signifies a dual-lane configuration, allowing two pedestrian streams to move simultaneously, which optimizes flow management.
• High-Security Design: Features a 4-arm rotating mechanism that ensures only one person can pass per turnstile rotation.
• Weatherproof & Durable: Built from SUS304 stainless steel (with optional SUS316 for harsher conditions), it is corrosion-resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
• Safety & Emergency Egress: In emergency situations or power failures, the turnstile supports an Emergency Mode that allows for safe and fast evacuation.
• Visual Guidance: Integrated LED indicators provide clear directional signals to users for a smoother experience.

Get A Professional Turnstile Gate Installation For Your Buildings

If you are serious about protecting your people, your assets, and your compliance posture, it starts with choosing the right turnstile. Then, getting an installation from professional installer such as from Lockpro Technology will ensure you peace of mind.

We are specialize in providing and installing turnstile gate systems across Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. We will help you find the right solution for your building. Whether it is a corporate office, shopping mall, university, or transit hub.

Conclusion

In summary, turnstile gates with access control provide a strong first line of defense against casual intruders, but they come with real limitations. Understanding the disadvantages of turnstile gate with access control is not meant to discourage you from installing one—rather, it empowers you to make smarter purchasing decisions.

If you’re looking for the installation for the turnstile gate, look no further than Lockpro Technology. Contact us today for a free consultation. Secure your property, simplify your life, and give you one less thing to worry about.