Pros and Cons of Barriers

Which is “greener” is not an open-and-shut case

When specifying the vehicle access control system needed to stop a truck-bomber, errant driver or vehicle that is not authorized to enter your facility, you have to decide among bollards, barriers or barricades. Once you have decided the type you will use, you then must specify which model. Finally, you need to select the type of power unit you are going to deploy as going green is important to many companies and organizations worldwide who are trying to minimize their carbon footprints.

The two most popular choices are the hydraulic and electro-mechanical power units. How do you decide which to use? The following should help.

Plusses and Minuses of Hydraulic

The hydraulic controller is the workhorse of the industry. This unit is typically mounted remotely from the barrier(s) and attached to them by hoses or steel pipes buried underground. It is powered from a local single or three-phase power source.

Buried lines. A big plus is that while hydraulic lines are buried, the motors are kept above ground (“above grade” in contractor parlance); therefore, there are fewer environmental problems than with an electro-mechanical motor, which is placed below ground. With a hydraulic controller, there are no problems of a motor sitting in a pool of water or being swallowed by mud.

Stronger forces. The hydraulic power unit is stronger, with forces generated in the range of 20,000 to 25,000 pounds. An industrial-grade electric motor drives the hydraulic gear pump to produce the hydraulic power unit system pressure. If a normal-sized car ends up on top of the barrier while in operation, the barrier will continue to rise and pick up the vehicle. This is a very effective deterrent at times, when vehicles decide to run the barrier or tailgate the vehicle in front of them.

Reliability. Hydraulic controllers are reliable and there are few maintenance issues when installed properly. The biggest complaint about them comes from environmentalists and organizations with a green initiative. However, petroleum-based oil does not need to be a concern. Instead, customers can simply substitute biodegradable oils, usually derived from cooking oils. In fact, more than 50 hydraulic barrier, barricade, bollard and crash gate designs can be run manually or on FDAapproved vegetable oils.

Temperature. Cold can be a problem with hydraulic power units in locales with frigid weather because oil can become thick; however, this is easily solved at the time of installation by adding heaters to maintain proper oil viscosity. Depending on the hydraulic power unit size and rating, such heaters will range from 60 to 500 watts at 120/240 volts for oil reservoirs. Of course, the hydraulic hoses to the barriers should be run below the frost line, where temperatures are a relatively constant 45 to 55ºF. If desired, the ducts carrying these hoses can be heat traced at the time of installation, as well.

Barrier installations, in areas where the temperatures are frequently above 100ºF, typically are equipped with oil coolers or have their hydraulic power units located inside temperature-controlled equipment rooms.

Plusses and Minuses of Electro-mechanical

There are some unique locations where the application may not lend itself to hydraulic units. As mentioned, for environmental reasons, some locations won’t allow oil or wish to use a bio-degradable substitution. In other cases, the application simply demands a simpler, less complex solution. These locations use the electro-mechanical option.

Variable speeds. With an electro-mechanical unit, the customer can produce variable speeds, having more control over the rapidity of how quickly the ramp or bollard rises. For instance, many users like to initially raise the ramp or bollard quickly and slow down near the end, which is easier on the system. The electricalmechanical unit is also quieter than the hydraulic alternative.

Maintenance. Most security professionals find the electro-mechanical unit minimally easier to maintain, although that slight difference is rarely given for choosing one over the other.

Temperature. Electro-mechanical units handle all temperatures without problems.

Below ground. The biggest negative for electro-mechanical units is that they are buried below ground (“below grade”) because they can become submersed in water or mud, creating a major maintenance problem. Therefore, when selecting an electro-mechanical power unit, it is imperative that the contractor create good drainage at the time of installation. Care should be taken to mount the barrier in an area that is not subject to flooding. Additionally, the roadway should be crowned in the area of the barrier to prevent standing water from draining into the barrier’s foundation frame.

Power usage and draw. Electro-mechanical units require at least 220v/single phase power and draw approximately 20 amps. This is typically 12-15 more amps
of power than what the hydraulic power units draw, bringing into question whether
they are greener than hydraulic units.

When planning to install a bollard, barrier or barricade, don’t treat the choice
of your power unit lightly. If you don’t understand something,
ask; then ask again, if needed. And, always work with a contractor
who is experienced with this type of equipment, asking your
manufacturer for suggestions.

This article originally appeared in the November 2014 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Work Anywhere, Secure Everywhere: 2025 Tech Predictions

    Five years after the pandemic, organizations need a flexible work reset to stay productive and support any work arrangement. Despite the pandemic-fueled workplace shift that began five years ago, companies across industries and geographies continue to increase flexible work configurations. However, many tools adopted during COVID onset remain in place today, and they now need a reset to keep employees productive and secure regardless of location. Security leaders must re-evaluate existing practices and reinvest in zero trust security, passwordless environments, and automation adoption to improve efficiency and productivity. Read Now

  • Guiding Principles

    Construction sites represent a unique sector of perimeter security, especially amidst a steady increase in commercial construction. As in any security environment, assessing weaknesses and threats remains paramount and modern technology, coupled with sound access control principles, are critical in addressing vulnerabilities at even the most secure construction sites around the world. Read Now

  • Empowering 911

    In the wake of the tragic murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, media coverage flooded the airwaves with images, videos and detailed timelines of the suspect’s movements. While such post-incident analysis is not new, today’s 911 centers now have access to similar data in real-time. This technological evolution marks a pivotal transformation in emergency response, transitioning from analog calls to a digital ecosystem capable of saving more lives. Read Now

  • Security Industry Embraces Mobile Credentials, Biometrics and AI, New Trends Report From HID Finds

    As organizations navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape, security leaders are making strategic shifts toward unified platforms and emerging technologies, according to the newly released 2025 State of Security and Identity Report from HID. The comprehensive study gathered responses from 1,800 partners, end users, and security and IT personnel worldwide, and reveals a significant transformation in how businesses are approaching security, with mobile credentials and artificial intelligence emerging as key drivers of innovation. Read Now

New Products

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.