Turnstiles

Connection of turnstiles

Turnstiles are directly connected to Sigur controllers and operate independent of the server. For a turnstile to operate, you will not need any interface cards or other additional devices.

Sigur is completely compatible with different types of turnstiles operating in a potential or pulse control mode, over 50 models in total. We guarantee their compatibility and correct operation in the system and provide diagrams to connect them to our PACS controllers. If you cannot find a certain model in the list, do not hesitate to contact us and we will study your equipment and provide you with a connection diagram.

Through-beam sensors

The system supports different operating modes with a single or two sensors. In case of a two-sensor arrangement, the system supports direct transmission of sensor signals or they can be processed through an inbuilt turnstile controller.

Parameters and configuration

Sigur allows a certain level of flexibility in configuring various turnstile parameters:

• Turnstile idle time before timeout for a single-time access event. The period of time during which a turnstile will be kept unlocked after the access permit has been granted
• Turnstile pulse length: how long will it take to trigger the turnstile control relay for a pulse-operated turnstile
• Through-beam sensor filter: pulses from the sensors with lesser length will be ignored by the controller
• Direction of access through the turnstile. Changes the access direction if different from the real-life event, available only for IP turnstiles
• Lock a turnstile when a signal from the through-beam sensor drops
• Response in case of a break-out or a break-in through the turnstile: configuration of system responses when the exit sensor has been triggered without an authorization

The following system responses are available:

• Register a Break-in alarm event
• Ignore the event
• Register an access event when the exit, entry or unidentified button is pressed

Configuration of different access rules

In Sigur, you can set different access rules for checkpoints equipped with a turnstile, including complex rules:

• Access permission by security officer
• Sectoral control and antipassback
• Capacity limitation
• Multifactor identification
• Allow access only if accompanied

Registration of events

All access events are registered, including permissions granted from the security control panel, and all access events when the turnstile is unlocked, including if unlocked mechanically.

To enable accurate time and attendance tracking, all employees’ entries and exits should be accurately registered in the system. If an employee has left his or her ID behind, Sigur allows registration of the employee’s access as follows: the security officer finds this employee in the database, checks the data available in the system and permits access by tapping their card. In this case, the employee’s time and attendance will be accurately recorded in the system.

Unlocking in case of fire

Compatibility with other equipment

Depending on how strict your access requirements are and the specific features and nature of your site, in addition to a turnstile you can connect other additional equipment such as alcometers, card collectors and metal detectors to your Sigur system. Any additional equipment will be connected to the same controller as the turnstile without any additional devices.

You can use this equipment without any additional licenses and this functionality is supported by any version of our software.

Setting up a checkpoint

When setting up a checkpoint, it is important to take into account the traffic intensity to avoid queuing. It is crucial for large sites where employees work in shifts or schools, universities, etc. where before the beginning of a shift or class, within the time span of 15–20 minutes, a large amount of people will pass through the checkpoint. Different types and models of turnstiles vary in capacity. For example, generally one tripod per every 500 simultaneously passing people is installed.

In addition to PACS equipment, barriers and fences are another important element of a checkpoint. If arranged properly, they will guide the flow of people to the dedicated area and help prevent unauthorized access or errors in registration of authorized access events.

Installation of barriers and fences

Tripods are the most common type of turnstiles used in physical access control systems. They have a compact design (there are even wall-mounted types), available in a wide variety of models, stand out for their great functionality and design and cost significantly less compared to other types of turnstiles.

Some types of tripods are more sensitive to barrier arrangements than others, otherwise they will not be able to accurately register access events or will simply miss some events out. To error-proof your system, you need to think your fencing and barrier arrangements through, including:

• Guide barriers (a special barrier element, another turnstile, wall or pillar) should be installed at the right angle to the top bar of the turnstile with the spacing of 5–6cm from its tip
• The recommended length of the guide barrier is 80cm to 1m

Fire safety requirements

When setting up your checkpoint, you need to take into account fire safety requirements as you need to properly arrange evacuation exits from the territory of the site. If the checkpoint equipped with a turnstile is also an evacuation exit, the following aspects should be taken into account:

• The width of the pathway when opened should be at least 80 to 120cm
• The pathway should ensure quick movement
• Quick movement through the pathway can be ensured by:
• Installing removable barriers, fast gates with panic bars or evacuation doors next to the turnstile
• Equipping turnstiles with fast barriers (such as panic bars for tripods)
• Using gates and turnstiles in a Normally unlocked mode (remain unlocked in case of power cuts)