Bar gate
A pivoted beam used to control vehicular or pedestrian access.
A bar gate, also known as a boom or boom barrier, is a pivoted beam or bar used to block or permit vehicular or pedestrian access. Typically, the bar moves through a 90° range, resting vertically when raised and horizontally when lowered. Many manually operated bar gates are counterweighted for easier control, and some feature a secondary underbar or a pivoting section that creates an upside-down L shape when raised.
Quick Facts
- Range of motion
- 90°
- Raised resting position
- Vertical
- Lowered resting position
- Horizontal
- Underbar drop distance
- 30 to 40 cm (1 ft 4 in) below upper arm
Facts from the source article.
Automatic bar gates
Electromechanical technology is widely used for automatic bar gates due to its reliability; other technologies are often manufacturer specific. These electromechanical devices use 24-volt direct-current drive units that can run continuously without generating heat, enabling intensive duty cycles. Operation methods include push button, key selector, remote control, RFID tags, loop detectors, optoelectronic sensors, automatic number plate recognition, interlocking with parking management systems, Bluetooth access control, biometric access (fingerprint or face recognition), and time-based access control.
Usage
Bar gates are commonly found at level crossings, drawbridges, parking facilities, checkpoints, entrances to restricted areas, and toll booths. They are also used on some highway entrance ramps to automatically restrict traffic during accident cleanup or road closures. Some bar gates are automatic and powered; others are manually operated, sometimes hung like a normal gate. In suburban areas, they may be installed as traffic calming measures to prevent through traffic while allowing authorised vehicles such as emergency services and buses.
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