By Scott Espensen, Perimeter Security Product Manager for Ross Technology
When it comes to securing and controlling vehicular traffic at high-risk facilities with wide entrances, there are several types of anti-ram vehicle barriers available on the market that are capable of doing the job, each with their own list of pros and cons.
Wedge barriers and bollards, for example, are often used by security professionals in applications where fast operating speeds are critical for processing medium to high volumes of traffic.
Both of these solutions, however, require multiple units to be purchased and installed to span wide lanes.
On the other hand, drop-arm barriers can effectively cover a broad area with one unit, but offer much slower cycle times and have inherent drawbacks as the length of the arm increases.
The Ross Technology XT-4200 Post and Beam Gate is a rising beam barrier designed to protect wide entrances with a single unit.
(See the Ross Technology innovative electro-mechanical anti-ram rising beam gate ASTM F2656-15 crash test method (15,000 lb truck @ 50 mph). End result: Stopped within 3 feet, earning an M50-P1 rating! Courtesy of Ross Technology and YouTube)
It offers normal-mode cycle times that are comparable to wedge barriers and bollards, and it’s the only electromechanical rising beam barrier crash test certified to ASTM F2656-15 standards, with a M50-P1 rating.
Protecting Wide Entrances Doesn’t Require Deep Pockets
When the access control point to a secure facility—whether it be refineries, power generation facilities, corporate offices and more—contains wide lanes of traffic, a post and beam style gate is significantly more cost effective to purchase and install.
Crash tested with a 24-foot clear opening (wider options available), the XT-4200 Post and Beam Gate utilizes a single structural steel tube beam that travels vertically between two bollard-like posts.
To secure the same clear opening, it would require two separate wedge barriers or up to eight retractable bollards. Because the individual system prices are comparable, choosing multiple wedges or bollard arrays would cost up to twice as much as a single post and beam gate, and that’s before considering installation costs on either system.
The XT-4200 is also very efficient in terms of installation and operation.
The horizontal beam is housed in an unobtrusive channel and shallow foundation that is 24 inches deep and extends across the roadway, making it a good choice for applications where utilities run underneath the road surface.
The efficient motion of this gate design reduces the travel distance required for the barrier to open and close compared to drop-arm gates, which pivot from one end post in a long arcing motion.
This feature serves to significantly decrease the cycle time required to process vehicles and eliminates potential clearance issues with overhead objects such as trees, buildings or utilities.
The gate can be raised and lowered in just 3 to 5 seconds to easily control wide lanes of traffic.
Another benefit to a singular post and beam gate is the ability to restrict two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles and bicycles, which wedges or bollards cannot accomplish.
The Only Electromechanical Rising Beam Barrier
Engineered to be extremely flexible and user-friendly, the XT-4200 can also reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
The all-electric system utilizes a continuous-duty rated motor and gearbox to provide long-term reliability. And because the motor and drive system are located above ground and within the posts, they’re shielded from the elements to deter corrosion.
The electromechanical design is a perfect fit for locations where there are environmental restrictions and the use of hydraulics fluids is prohibited.
There is no risk of hydraulics fluids seeping into the ground, and the XT-4200 does not require regular maintenance to check fluid levels.
Furthermore, the electromechanical drive system requires fewer power requirements and is more readily suitable for use in remote locations with solar panel applications.
Turnkey Perimeter Security
A unique and large benefit of the XT-4200 Post and Beam Gate, from both an architectural and security perspective, is its design to seamlessly integrate with Ross’ XL-501 Post and Beam Fence.
The fence and gate systems are designed in a nearly identical visual fashion, providing aesthetic appeal without leaving any gaps between dissimilar systems.
Often times, there is a vast visual disconnect between where the anti-ram fence and the anti-ram gate meet.
With these two systems, the visual appeal is there and the installation to integrate the two is simple.
Like installation with the XL-501 fence, the rebar sticks required to meet crash test standards are included in the purchase of the gate.
The XT-4200 Post and Beam Gate is the only anti-ram gate system that does not require additional rebar. No extra expenses, and no extra labor to build elaborate cages.
What you’re left with is an effective, reliable and visually appealing electromechanical gate to safely secure any facility’s control access point.
About Scott Espensen
As Perimeter Security Product Manager, Scott Espensen oversees new product development, product testing, sales, project management and fulfillment.
With a strong background in controls technology for the United States Air Force, Scott has been very active in creating and sourcing advanced control systems for Ross Technology Perimeter Security products.
He has worked at Ross Technology for over 20 years, and during that time Scott has overseen numerous security projects in the Middle East.
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