Security Revolving Doors and Interlocks vs Speed Gates: Which Is Right for Your Facility?
When it comes to physical security, the way people move in and out of your building is just as important as surveillance cameras or alarms. Entrance control solutions don’t just guide foot traffic—they protect assets, reduce risks, and help enforce who has the right to be where.
Two of the most common choices for controlled entry are security revolving doors or interlocks and speed gates. While they may appear similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and are best suited for different environments.
Let’s break down the differences.
Security Revolving Doors & Interlocks
How They Work
Security revolving doors and interlocks are designed for high-security environments. They allow only one person to enter at a time, often using sensors and weight detection to prevent tailgating or piggybacking. Interlocks—sometimes called “mantraps”—require one door to fully close before another opens, adding an additional layer of control.
Best For
Data centers
Corporate headquarters
Financial institutions
R&D facilities
Any location requiring strict identity verification
Advantages
Maximum security: Prevents unauthorized entry and tailgating.
Integration with access control: Ties directly into badge readers, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication.
Deterrence: Strong psychological barrier against intruders.
Considerations
Slower throughput (one person at a time).
Larger footprint required for installation.
Higher upfront cost—but balanced by reduced risk.
Speed Gates
How They Work
Speed gates (sometimes called optical turnstiles) use barriers such as sliding or swinging glass panels that open quickly when valid credentials are presented. They’re designed for efficient throughput in busy lobbies and workplaces, moving large numbers of people while maintaining a level of access control.
Best For
Office buildings
Universities
Corporate campuses
Government facilities with high daily traffic
Advantages
High throughput: Ideal for peak entry/exit times.
Modern aesthetics: Sleek designs fit professional environments.
Visitor management: Easily integrates with guest check-in systems.
Considerations
Less secure than interlocks or revolving doors (tailgating is possible without additional monitoring).
Requires surveillance cameras or security officers for enforcement.
Primarily a traffic management tool, not a high-security barrier.
Which Should You Choose?
The decision comes down to security vs. throughput:
If your priority is maximum security and preventing unauthorized entry at all costs, revolving doors or interlocks are the right choice.
If your priority is efficiency, flow, and aesthetics in a busy lobby while still maintaining moderate security, speed gates are ideal.
In many cases, organizations deploy a hybrid approach—using revolving doors or interlocks at restricted areas, while speed gates manage high-traffic public spaces.
Connextivity Can Help
At Connextivity, we don’t just install hardware—we design solutions tailored to your facility’s unique balance of security, convenience, and aesthetics. Whether you need high-security interlocks, sleek speed gates, or a blended approach, we’ll help you create an entrance control strategy that keeps people moving—and keeps threats out.
👉 Let’s talk about how to secure your entrances with the right solution.