A full height turnstile, also called a full height rotary gate or access control turnstile, is a high-security device for managing pedestrian access. It typically stands about 2 meters tall, creating a physical barrier to prevent climbing or unauthorized entry. Compared to half-height or tripod turnstiles, it offers stronger protection and better control. It is often combined with technologies like face recognition, fingerprint scanning, and NFC for intelligent access management.
Table of Contents
What Is a Full Height Turnstile?
A Full Height Turnstile (sometimes called a Full Height Gate) is a rotating barrier constructed from powder‑coated or stainless steel arms that span the full height of the opening. Unlike waist‑high turnstile gates, full height designs act as a physical wall, making bypass nearly impossible. They are ideal for perimeter security, stadiums, construction sites, data centers, and any venue that requires strict access control.
Key Features & Benefits
Anti‑Tailgating Security – One rotor, one user; prevents piggy‑backing.
Biometric Integration – Seamless connection to face recognition, fingerprint recognition, and NFC recognition readers for touchless authentication.
Durable Construction – Weather‑resistant steel for 24/7 indoor or outdoor operation.
Alarm & Monitoring – Built‑in sensors trigger alarms if forced rotation or reverse entry is detected.
Fail‑Safe / Fail‑Secure Modes – Programmable response during power loss or emergencies.
High Throughput – Up to 20–25 passages per minute with smooth, silent rotation.
How a Full Height Turnstile Enhances Your Access Control Solution
Integrating a Full Height Turnstile Gate with your existing access control solution or time‑attendance software—such as HFSECURITY’s HFIMS—creates a single platform for identity verification, entry logging, and real‑time monitoring. By requiring valid biometric or card credentials at the barrier, organizations gain irrefutable audit trails and significantly reduce unauthorized access
Biometric & Credential Options
| 3D camera captures and matches facial templates |
| Hands‑free entry in hygiene‑sensitive areas |
| Optical or capacitive sensor verifies unique fingerprint minutiae |
| Staff entrances & secure zones |
| Contactless cards, smartphones, or wearables |
| Member gyms, offices, campuses |
| Temporary or visitor passes on phones or paper |
| Event venues, guest management |
| Infrared scanner detects unique vein patterns in the palm |
| Contactless, High‑security areas requiring liveness check |
Popular Applications
1.Stadiums & Arenas
Full height turnstiles are ideal for managing large crowds during events. They help regulate high-volume pedestrian flow while ensuring that only authorized individuals—those with valid tickets or pre-registered biometric credentials—are granted entry. The robust structure prevents tailgating and enhances security at each gate, making them a critical part of crowd control strategies.
2.Construction Sites
At construction sites, full height turnstiles control access by allowing only certified workers to enter. They can be integrated with identity verification systems, such as facial or fingerprint recognition, and linked to health and safety compliance databases. This ensures that only individuals with proper training, up-to-date safety certifications, or recent health checks are permitted on-site, reducing liability and improving on-site safety.
3.Data Centers & Server Rooms
To meet strict security standards like Tier-IV compliance, full height turnstiles are often combined with multi-factor biometric authentication—such as facial recognition plus fingerprint or card access. These turnstiles provide a secure physical barrier to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive infrastructure, while also offering audit trails for every access attempt, which is essential for regulatory and internal audits.
4.Corporate Campuses
On corporate campuses, full height turnstiles are used to secure the perimeter while maintaining efficient entry and exit for employees. When integrated with staff ID systems or biometric verification, they help ensure that only authorized personnel gain access to office buildings or restricted zones. Their design supports fast and secure throughput, balancing security with convenience.
5.Public Transportation Hubs
In metro stations, train terminals, and bus depots, full height turnstiles serve as durable, vandal-resistant access points. They are engineered to withstand constant, heavy use and can be paired with ticket scanners or contactless card systems. Their strong structure and consistent performance help reduce fare evasion and ensure smooth, controlled entry for commuters.
Installation & Maintenance Tips
Site Survey: Verify floor strength, clearance, and power/data conduits.
Network Integration: Use TCP/IP or RS‑485 for real‑time monitoring via your access control platform.
Preventive Maintenance: Quarterly lubrication and firmware updates keep the turnstile gate running smoothly.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure egress requirements are met with dedicated emergency exits or free‑rotation modes.
Full height turnstile related video
Why Choose Full Height Turnstile?
1. Maximum Security Control
Full height turnstiles create a complete physical barrier from floor to ceiling, allowing only one person to pass at a time—effectively preventing unauthorized entry, tailgating, and climbing.
2. Ideal for High-Security Areas
They are perfect for sensitive or restricted areas such as data centers, military facilities, power plants, and stadiums, where stricter access control is essential.
3. Anti-Tailgating & Anti-Climbing
Compared to waist-height or tripod turnstiles, full height models are far more effective in stopping individuals from following others or attempting to climb over the gate.
4. Integration with Access Systems
Full height turnstiles can be easily integrated with various authentication systems, including ID cards, QR codes, facial recognition, fingerprint scanners, and more—supporting both basic and advanced security setups.
5. Durable for Indoor & Outdoor Use
Built with robust, weather-resistant materials (like stainless steel), full height turnstiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments and can withstand heavy use and extreme weather conditions.
6. Controlled One-Person Flow
Their mechanical or motorized rotation allows precise control of pedestrian traffic—ensuring orderly, one-at-a-time access, which is critical in places with high security needs or regulated capacity.
7. Long-Term Cost Efficiency
Although the initial investment may be higher than standard turnstiles, the added security and durability reduce the need for additional security personnel or frequent maintenance—resulting in long-term savings.
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Conclusion
A Full Height Turnstile Gate offers unmatched security and access control by combining durable design with advanced biometrics like face, fingerprint, palm vein, and NFC recognition. Whether for construction sites, data centers, or stadiums, it ensures safe, one-person entry—making it a reliable choice for any modern security system.
FAQ
unit can be jumped or crawled under, while a Full Height Turnstile forms a complete barrier from floor to header, effectively eliminating climbing or tailgating.
Yes. HFSECURITY models use IP54‑rated housings and corrosion‑resistant stainless steel, ideal for outdoor environments.
With biometric pre‑authentication, throughput averages 20–25 people per minute—comparable to conventional turnstile gates.
All templates are AES‑encrypted and can be stored on a secure server or onsite controller, depending on your compliance requirements.
The turnstile can be configured to unlock (fail‑safe) or remain locked (fail‑secure) based on your emergency policy.