From busy malls in the city to secure private areas, a machine named “boom barrier” is everywhere. It controls traffic flow, allowing or restricting vehicle access.
But wait, have you ever wondered how this tool actually works?
Whatever your job (a facility manager or security professional) or simply curious about this technology, this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of how boom barriers function.
Components of Boom Barriers
To reap the benefits of installing boom barriers, such as better security and traffic control, these systems consist of several key components that work together. Let’s get to know the specific parts that make up these systems:
- Boom arm. This is the horizontal bar that blocks vehicles from passing through. The material may vary depending on the applications of boom barriers, but it’s generally made of materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or fiberglass.
- Motor and gearbox. These power the boom arm’s movement, raising and lowering it. They typically reside in a cabinet at the boom barrier’s base.
- Control panel. This is the brain of the operation, containing the electronics that manage the motor, sensors, and any integrated access control systems.
- Sensors and safety devices. These components include infrared sensors, loop detectors, and pressure sensors to detect the presence of vehicles and ensure safe operation. The function of these parts is to prevent the barrier from closing on a vehicle or pedestrian.
- Counterweights or springs. Their purpose is to balance the boom arm, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. They reduce the load on the motor by counterbalancing the weight of the boom arm.
- Access control systems. They can include card readers, keypads, RFID systems, and remote controls that allow authorized personnel to operate the barrier.
Boom barriers also need “additional” components that are as crucial as the aforementioned. One example is the power supply because they’re typically powered by an electric supply that can include backup battery systems.
Another add-on is security systems, like CCTV, fire alarm systems, and building management systems for improved security and monitoring
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How Boom Barriers Work
Types of boom barriers highly influence how these tools work. Manual boom barriers, for example, rely on human intervention for their operation.
To allow vehicles to pass, the operator physically lifts the boom arm upward. This needs manual effort to overcome the weight of the boom.
Well, some manual boom barriers may use a counterbalance system to help the operator lift the boom, reducing the physical effort required
Then, when it’s time to restrict access, the operator lowers the boom arm back down into the blocking position. Essentially, this type of machine functions as a basic gate, requiring direct human input for every opening and closing operation.
Meanwhile, the automatic boom barrier workflow starts with an authorized user initiating the process by interacting with an access control device. This can be anything from an RFID card reader, a keypad, and a remote control to an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system.
| Further reading: How Boom Barriers Enhance Security and Manage Traffic |
Then, the access control device creates a signal indicating an access request and sends it to the control panel to verify the authorization of the access request.
If the credentials match the pre-set criteria, the control panel proceeds to the next step, which is sending a command to the motor to start its operation.
The gearbox, powered by the motor, raises the boom arm. The counterweights or springs then balance the boom arm, ensuring smooth and efficient movement.
After that, sensors, such as infrared sensors or loop detectors, monitor the area around the boom arm to ensure there are no obstructions, such as vehicles or pedestrians.
Once the boom arm is fully raised, the vehicle is allowed to pass through. Sensors continue to monitor the vehicle’s passage to ensure it clears the barrier safely.
Sensors continue to monitor for any obstructions during the lowering process.
If the control panel detects an obstruction while the boom arm is closing, it immediately stops the motor and reverses the arm, preventing damage or injury.
Once the vehicle has passed through and is detected as clear by the sensors, the control panel sends a command to lower the boom arm. Next, the motor and gearbox work in reverse to lower the boom arm back into the closed position.
The counterweights or springs again assist in ensuring the arm lowers smoothly.
Conclusion
Boom barriers, whether manual or automated, have become an important machine in modern traffic management. Understanding their components, operation, and control systems helps you gain insight into how these systems efficiently regulate traffic flow and improve security.
Saptshankari is a trusted distributor of reliable and efficient boom barriers. We offer a diverse range of products to meet the needs, and of course, budgets, of different industries.
From a basic boom barrier to an automatic and electromechanical version, we have it all.
Contact Saptshankari today for the perfect boom barrier solution for your specific needs.
