Do You Need Backup Power for Turnstiles in Johannesburg?

As a trusted security partner based in Roodepoort and Randburg, Accend Security knows that access control is only as effective as its weakest link. One key vulnerability? Power failures. In a city like Johannesburg — where load shedding is a constant reality — having a backup power system for your turnstiles isn’t just a nice-to-have: it’s essential.

Why Backup Power Matters for Turnstiles

Turnstiles aren’t just physical barriers — they rely on electronics, control boards, and access control readers. When the power goes off, what happens? Without a backup, your turnstiles may freeze, lock in a vulnerable position, or even fail to operate altogether.

Power outages can compromise security, disrupt traffic flow, and create serious safety risks. Worse, if your turnstiles are tied into your broader access control system, a blackout might also disable alarms, biometric readers, or CCTV.

The Johannesburg Context: Load Shedding & Security Risk

Johannesburg faces frequent power cuts. As Accend Security has highlighted, these outages can last up to 8 hours, severely disrupting security systems. Accend Security

In such conditions, a backup power system ensures your turnstiles continue to operate, keeping your building secure even during load shedding or unplanned blackouts.

What Does Accend Security Offer?

At Accend Security, we don’t just install turnstiles — we build resilient access control systems. On our Boom Gates & Turnstiles service page, we highlight that our access barriers can be combined with back-up power systems

As a full-service security provider, we also design and install solar power systems and backup power solutions, reinforcing our commitment to continuous security.

Key Benefits of Adding Backup Power

Uninterrupted Security
Whether there’s load shedding or an unexpected blackout, backup batteries keep turnstiles online and access control active.
Fail-Safe vs Fail-Secure Operation
Depending on your risk profile, turnstiles can be configured to either unlock (fail-safe) or lock down (fail-secure) during power loss. Most industrial turnstile manufacturers support both modes
Support for High-Volume Use
Some turnstile systems (like the Turnstar models) are rated for thousands of transactions even during power outages thanks to battery backup.
Emergency & Safety Compliance
Building access protocols often require that in case of power failure, exit routes remain safe. According to some institutional access control standards, turnstiles must have a battery backup that supports at least a few hours of power.

Choosing the Right Backup Power System

When working with Accend Security, here’s how to decide:

Scale the Backup to Your Needs: For high-traffic entrances, invest in a more robust battery system. For smaller sites, a simpler setup may suffice.
Select the Right Turnstile Mode: Decide whether you prefer fail-safe (unlock) or fail-secure (lock) behavior on power loss.
Integrate with Other Systems: Make sure your backup power also supports related systems like access readers, CCTV, or alarms.
Maintenance & Monitoring: Batteries need regular checks. Accend’s 24/7 support ensures any faults are caught early. Accend Security
Consider Solar: Given Accend’s expertise in solar installations, you could pair solar power with battery storage for long-term resilience. Accend Security+1

Risks of Skipping Backup Power

If you choose not to install backup power, you expose your turnstile system to:

Security Breaches: Doors could remain physically unlocked or inoperable.
Operational Disruption: People get stuck, or access control fails, hurting business flow.
Safety Hazards: During emergencies, power failures could block safe exit or override policies.
Reputational Cost: Clients, tenants, or employees may lose confidence in your security setup.

Final Thoughts

For installations in Johannesburg — especially in Roodepoort or Randburg, where load shedding and power instability are frequent — backup power for turnstiles is more than a precaution: it’s a strategic necessity.

At Accend Security, we design our turnstile solutions to include reliable power redundancies, whether via battery backups or solar integration. This ensures your access control remains effective and safe, regardless of the grid.

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Do I Need a Backup Power System for My Turnstile Installation in Johannesburg?