Turnstile Space Requirements for Johannesburg Offices

If you’re planning to install turnstiles in your Johannesburg office — whether in Roodepoort, Randburg, or elsewhere — it’s critical to get the space planning right. As a leading security provider in Gauteng, Accend Security wants to guide you through everything you need to know before committing to turnstile installation.

Why Turnstile Space Planning Matters

Proper spacing ensures safety, compliance, and smooth flow. Turnstiles are not just barriers — they define traffic lanes, integrate with access control, and affect the way people enter and exit. Poorly planned installation can lead to bottlenecks, non-compliance with building regulations, and frustrating user experience.

Types of Turnstiles Offered by Accend Security

At Accend Security, we offer a range of turnstiles to suit different office settings:

Waist-height turnstiles, such as the Streamline model great for reception areas. accendsecurity.co.za
Half-height industrial turnstiles, like the Titan or Triiton models. accendsecurity.co.za
Full-height turnstiles, for higher security or perimeter control. accendsecurity.co.za

Each type has different spatial requirements, so let’s break that down.

Minimum & Recommended Space Requirements

Structural Foundation and Floor

Turnstiles must be mounted on a firm, level surface, such as a concrete plinth. According to installation guides, the base should be structurally sound to withstand anchoring. bsia.co.uk
For some industrial models, manufacturers recommend a concrete foundation of at least 150 mm thickness for stable installation. PERCo – security equipment manufacturer
Flow-systems local installers note that their turnstiles require anchor bolts (e.g., M12) into a concrete plinth of specific dimensions (for example, 1 600 × 1 000 mm for certain models). flowsystems.co.za

Passage Width (Lane Width)

Standard pedestrian turnstile lanes are often around 550–600 mm wide. Nundnet : Turnstiles & Access Controls
For wheelchair access or more generous clearance, wide lanes of 900–1 000 mm are recommended. bsia.co.uk
According to BSIA’s turnstile guide, standard lanes of about 650 mm prevent two people from squeezing through side by side. bsia.co.uk

Clearance Around the Turnstile

When installing next to walls or fixed structures, allow a gap of at least 60 mm (6 cm). This gives enough room to service or open maintenance panels. materialfile.dahuasecurity.com
Building regulation standards in South Africa (SANS 10400-S) emphasize that turnstiles should not form part of an accessible route (e.g., for wheelchairs), and any accessible routes need clear widths of at least 900 mm. City of Cape Town Resources
Also, for accessibility, turning spaces (such as for wheelchairs) should be 1.5 m in diameter. City of Cape Town Resources

Height & Vertical Clearance

Full-height turnstiles can be over 2,200 mm tall, depending on model. For instance, Motwane’s single-lane 90° full-height turnstile is ~2,220 mm high. motwanesecuritysystems.com
The footprint (length and width) also depends on the arm configuration: a 4-arm turnstile will affect how much radial space the rotor needs. The Tornado model, for example, has a rotor arm radius (turning radius) of about 590 mm. sbe.co.za

Electrical & Data Infrastructure

Turnstiles require power and integration with access control systems. According to BSIA’s guide, you need to plan conduits for electrical input/output underneath or within your flooring. bsia.co.uk
For high-security or full-height turnstiles, cabling may come from above or through the floor, depending on your layout. bsia.co.uk
Many models operate on 24 V DC logic, but need 220 V AC (50 Hz) for power. sbe.co.za+1

Practical Considerations for Johannesburg Offices

Peak Hour Traffic Flow

If your office has a lot of movement (for example, during shift changes), you need more lanes to avoid congestion. According to international turnstile-planning data, lane throughput must match your traffic needs. Connextivity

Accessibility Compliance

Ensure you include at least one lane or gate that meets accessibility standards (900–1 000 mm wide, turning space of 1.5 m) so that wheelchair users and others with mobility needs are accommodated. South African building regulations emphasize this. City of Cape Town Resources

Maintenance Access

Leave enough space around each turnstile so that maintenance panels or covers can open, preferably 60 mm or more from fixed surfaces. materialfile.dahuasecurity.com

Aesthetic & Integration

Position turnstiles so they align with your reception layout, card readers, biometrics, or glass walls to create a seamless look — something Accend Security can help design when you request a quote via our Boom Gates & Turnstiles service. accendsecurity.co.za
We can also tailor turnstile models to match your office style: from sleek glass half-height units (e.g., Triiton) to industrial full-height models. accendsecurity.co.za

Compliance, Safety & Legal Notes

Turnstiles should not be part of a legally required accessible egress route, according to SANS 10400-S. City of Cape Town Resources
Always consult with a professional installer (like Accend Security) and building authority to ensure the installation meets local building codes and fire-safety regulations.
Use a qualified electrician and access control specialist for all cabling, anchoring, and integration to avoid operational issues.

Why Choose Accend Security for Your Turnstile Project

Accend Security brings local Johannesburg expertise — especially in Roodepoort and Randburg. We provide smart turnstile installations backed by:

Tailored assessments – We analyze your lobby, traffic flow, and architectural layout.
Local compliance knowledge – We know South African building regulations and accessibility standards.
High-quality hardware – We offer robust turnstiles (waist-height, half-height, full-height) designed for performance and longevity. accendsecurity.co.za
Professional installation – Our technicians set up foundations, power, and access control cleanly and safely.
Ongoing support – We don’t just install — we maintain and service your turnstile system in the long term.

You can request a free quote for turnstiles via Accend Security’s website. accendsecurity.co.za+1

Conclusion

Installing turnstiles in your Johannesburg office is a smart way to improve security and control access. But doing it right means planning for the right space, clearance, power, and accessibility. As Accend Security — based in Roodepoort and Randburg — we’re ready to help you design, install, and maintain a turnstile system that is safe, compliant, and tailored to your needs.

If you’re ready to explore options or get a site assessment, feel free to contact Accend Security. accendsecurity.co.za

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