Pedestrian Gates
Walk-through gates for controlled pedestrian access,from simple side-yard gates to access-controlled commercial entries and code-compliant pool enclosures.
Pedestrian gates are where people interact with fence systems daily. Unlike vehicle gates that operate intermittently, pedestrian gates see constant use,employees entering facilities, residents accessing amenities, visitors checking in, children kept away from pools. The gate must be sized for the traffic, equipped with appropriate hardware, and compliant with applicable codes. We design and install pedestrian gates that balance security, convenience, accessibility, and code requirements for the specific application.
What We Do
- Standard pedestrian gates matching fence systems
- Self-closing and self-latching gate hardware
- Panic hardware for emergency egress
- Access control and intercom integration
- ADA-compliant gate and hardware designs
- Pool and spa enclosure gates meeting code
Best Fit For
- Employee entrances at commercial facilities
- Pool enclosures requiring code compliance
- Schools and childcare facilities
- Multi-family residential entries
- Park and recreational facilities
- Any application requiring controlled pedestrian access
How We Deliver
- Hardware selection for security and compliance
- Integration with card readers, keypads, or intercoms
- ADA compliance review
- Self-closer adjustment and testing
- Coordination with access control installers
Standards & Compliance
- ADA accessibility guidelines
- Pool barrier codes (self-closing, self-latching)
- Fire and egress code requirements
- Local building code compliance
Gate Types and Sizing
Pedestrian gates range from simple 3-foot wide walk-throughs to double gates handling equipment and group access. Standard widths are 3-4 feet for single-person passage, 4-5 feet for ADA compliance with mobility devices, and 6-8 feet (often double gates) for maintenance equipment or high-traffic entries.
Gate height typically matches the adjacent fence. For security applications, full-height gates prevent climbing over. For pool enclosures, minimum heights are code-specified,typically 48-60 inches depending on jurisdiction.
The gate style matches the fence system,chain link gates for chain link fences, ornamental gates for ornamental fencing. Custom gates may incorporate different materials or designs for aesthetic emphasis at entry points.
Hinges
Pedestrian gate hinges must handle frequent use,dozens to hundreds of cycles daily at commercial facilities. Consumer-grade hinges fail quickly under this load; commercial-grade hardware is essential.
- Strap hinges: Simple and economical for light-duty residential gates. Mount to gate and post faces. Limited adjustment after installation.
- Barrel hinges: Wrap around the post with a vertical pin. Allow gate removal and height adjustment. Common for chain link pedestrian gates.
- Self-closing hinges: Spring-loaded hinges that pull the gate closed automatically. Required for pool enclosures. Available in adjustable tension versions for tuning closing speed.
- Heavy-duty commercial hinges: Ball-bearing or bushing designs for high-cycle applications. May include integral closers or be paired with separate closer mechanisms.
- Adjustable hinges: Allow fine-tuning of gate position after installation. Useful for correcting minor alignment issues and compensating for post settling.
Latches and Locks
Latch selection depends on security requirements, code compliance, and user convenience. Options range from simple thumb latches to electronic access control.
- Gravity latches: The gate weight holds the latch engaged. Simple, reliable, no springs to fail. Common for basic residential and agricultural gates.
- Spring latches: Spring-loaded for positive engagement. More secure than gravity latches. May be keyed or non-keyed.
- Self-latching hardware: Required for pool enclosures. The latch engages automatically when the gate closes, without requiring manual action. Must be positioned at code-specified heights.
- Deadbolts and keyed locks: For security applications. May be single-cylinder (keyed outside, thumb turn inside) or double-cylinder (keyed both sides,check egress codes before specifying).
- Magnetic locks: Electric locks that hold the gate closed with magnetic force. Release on power loss (fail-safe for egress) or hold on power loss (fail-secure for security). Require access control system integration.
- Electric strikes: Allow the latch to release electrically while maintaining mechanical latching. Compatible with standard locksets. Common for access-controlled entries.
Self-Closing Systems
Self-closing is required for pool enclosures and often desirable for security applications. The gate must close and latch automatically without manual assistance.
Self-closing hinges combine the hinge and closer in one unit. They use springs or hydraulics to pull the gate closed. Tension is adjustable to control closing speed,too fast damages the gate and hardware; too slow may not fully close the gate.
Separate closers mount to the gate and post independently of hinges. They provide more adjustment range and can be retrofitted to existing gates. Hydraulic closers offer controlled closing speed throughout the travel.
For pool compliance, self-closing must work reliably from any open position,not just when fully open. The gate must close and latch from partial openings, which requires proper closer adjustment and hardware selection.
Pool Barrier Requirements
Pool enclosure gates are heavily regulated. The IRC and local amendments specify requirements designed to prevent unsupervised child access to pools. These are not suggestions,they are code requirements enforced through inspection.
- Self-closing: The gate must close automatically from any open position.
- Self-latching: The latch must engage automatically without manual action.
- Latch height: Latches must be at least 54 inches above grade, or if lower, must be on the pool side of the gate and unreachable through the gate opening.
- No climbable hardware: Latch releases and other hardware must not provide hand or footholds for climbing.
- Opening direction: Gates must open outward (away from the pool) so a child pushing against the gate does not enter the pool area.
- Release mechanism: The release must require adult dexterity,not a simple lift or push that a child could operate.
ADA Accessibility
Pedestrian gates at public accommodations, commercial facilities, and multi-family housing must meet ADA accessibility requirements. Key provisions include:
Clear width: Minimum 32 inches clear opening, with 36 inches preferred. Measured between the gate face and the latch post when the gate is open 90 degrees.
Hardware: Operable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting. Lever handles rather than knobs. Operating force no greater than 5 pounds.
Threshold: Maximum 1/2-inch vertical threshold. Beveled if over 1/4 inch.
Closing speed: If self-closing, the gate must take at least 5 seconds to close from 90 degrees to 12 degrees from the latch.
Maneuvering clearance: Level clear floor space on both sides of the gate for wheelchair approach and operation.
These requirements can conflict with pool codes (which require faster self-closing) and security requirements (which may prefer restricted access). We navigate these conflicts to find compliant solutions.
Access Control Integration
Pedestrian gates frequently integrate with access control systems,card readers, keypads, intercoms, or smartphone-based access. This requires coordination between gate hardware, control systems, and electrical infrastructure.
The gate needs compatible locking hardware: magnetic locks, electric strikes, or electrified locksets. Power and control wiring must reach the gate location. For swing gates, power transfer hinges or flexible conduit carries wiring across the hinge gap.
Access control mounting must be accessible to users while remaining secure from tampering. Reader height, keypad position, and intercom placement follow accessibility guidelines while considering security.
We coordinate with access control installers or can provide complete systems depending on project scope. For complex installations, early coordination ensures the gate hardware and access control components work together.
Emergency Egress
Pedestrian gates on egress paths must allow exit during emergencies,even if access-controlled for entry. This typically means panic hardware: push bars or touch pads that release the latch without requiring keys, codes, or dexterity.
Panic hardware must be installed on the egress side of the gate (inside the secured area). It must operate with a single motion and minimal force. Fire codes specify requirements for panic hardware on gates in egress paths.
For access-controlled gates, the panic hardware overrides the access control system,pushing the bar releases the magnetic lock or electric strike regardless of system status. This is fail-safe operation: the egress path remains clear even during power failure or system malfunction.
Some jurisdictions require panic hardware on pool gates if the pool area is the only egress from a structure. This can conflict with the child-resistance requirements for pool hardware. Consult local codes for specific requirements.
Maintenance
Pedestrian gates see heavy use and require regular maintenance to function properly.
Hinges: Lubricate every 6-12 months. Check for wear, sagging, or binding. Tighten mounting hardware. Replace worn hinges before they fail completely.
Self-closers: Test closing operation,the gate should close and latch reliably from any open position. Adjust tension as needed. Replace closers that leak hydraulic fluid or fail to control closing speed.
Latches: Test operation,both manual release and self-latching function. Lubricate moving parts. Adjust striker position if the latch does not engage properly.
Locks and access control: Test all access methods. Replace batteries in wireless components. Clean card reader surfaces. Verify backup power systems function.
Gate structure: Inspect for damage, rust, loose fasteners. Check that the gate hangs plumb and swings freely. Address finish damage promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What width should a pedestrian gate be?
- Standard pedestrian gates are 3-4 feet wide. For ADA compliance, 36 inches minimum clear opening is required,which typically means a 42-inch or wider gate to account for hinges and frame. High-traffic areas and gates for maintenance equipment access may be 5-6 feet wide or use double gates.
- What makes a gate pool-code compliant?
- Pool gates must be self-closing (from any open position), self-latching (latch engages automatically), with the latch either 54+ inches above grade or on the pool side and unreachable through the gate. Gates must open outward away from the pool. Release mechanisms must require adult dexterity. Specific requirements vary by jurisdiction.
- Can a gate be both ADA compliant and pool-code compliant?
- Sometimes, but it requires careful hardware selection. ADA limits closing speed and requires easy-to-operate hardware. Pool codes require reliable self-closing and child-resistant latches. Solutions include slower self-closers (within ADA limits but still reliable), latches at 54+ inches that meet both requirements, and hardware that is easy for adults but requires dexterity children lack.
- How do I add access control to an existing gate?
- It depends on the gate and desired access method. Basic additions include electric strikes (replacing the strike plate) or magnetic locks (surface-mounted). You will need power to the gate location, control wiring, and mounting provisions for readers or keypads. We assess existing gates for retrofit potential and recommend appropriate hardware.
Related Services
Custom-designed and fabricated gates for vehicle and pedestrian access,swing, slide, cantilever, bi-fold, and vertical pivot configurations built to site requirements.
Keypads, card readers, intercoms, telephone entry, and integrated access management, controlling who enters, when, and maintaining audit trails.
Perimeter fencing for commercial properties,office buildings, retail, medical facilities, schools, and multi-tenant buildings. Built for durability, code compliance, and integration with gates and access control.
Code compliance and permitting information.
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