Raise-Arm Barrier vs Swing Gate – Which Is Right for Your Site? | Aremco Barriers
What Is the Difference Between a Raise-Arm Barrier and a Swing Gate?
Both can be used to control vehicle access, both are manually operated and neither requires electricity or an automated control system.
However, they work very differently.
A raise-arm barrier uses a horizontal boom that lifts upwards to allow a vehicle through, while a swing gate opens horizontally across the site.
So which one should you choose?
At Aremco Barriers, we've been manufacturing manual vehicle access-control products for more than 40 years. In this guide, we'll explain the differences between raise-arm barriers and swing gates and look at the practical considerations that can help you decide which is most suitable for your site.
What Is a Raise-Arm Barrier?
A manual raise-arm barrier consists of a supporting post and horizontal barrier arm or boom.
When the entrance needs to be closed, the arm sits horizontally across the vehicle route.
To allow access, the barrier is manually released and the arm is raised upwards.
Depending on the design, a counterbalance arrangement helps make the barrier easier to operate despite the length and weight of the boom.
Raise-arm barriers are commonly used at:
- Car parks
- Commercial premises
- Industrial estates
- Private roads
- Staff parking areas
- Service entrances
- Controlled vehicle entrances
They provide a relatively simple way of controlling vehicles without requiring electrical power.
What Is a Manual Swing Gate?
A manual swing gate also closes an entrance, but instead of lifting vertically, the complete gate leaf swings horizontally.
The gate is supported by hinges attached to a substantial hanging post.
When access is required, the gate is unlocked and swung into its open position.
Aremco manufactures single and double-leaf manual swing gates for commercial and industrial applications.
What Is the Main Difference?
The biggest difference is how they open.
A raise-arm barrier moves upwards.
A swing gate moves sideways.
That sounds simple, but it can make a considerable difference when deciding which product will work at a particular entrance.
The available space around the entrance is therefore one of the first things you should consider.
How Much Space Does a Swing Gate Need?
A swing gate requires enough clear space for the complete gate leaf to travel through its opening arc.
For example, if you have a long single-leaf gate, you need a substantial clear area beside the entrance for that gate to swing into.
Potential obstructions can include:
- Parked vehicles
- Buildings
- Fencing
- Bollards
- Kerbs
- Landscaping
- Storage
- Changes in ground level
The fact that a gate fits across the entrance when closed doesn't necessarily mean there is enough room for it to operate.
Does a Raise-Arm Barrier Need Less Ground Space?
Generally, one of the advantages of a raise-arm barrier is that the boom lifts vertically rather than sweeping across a large area of ground.
This can make it useful where space beside the entrance is limited.
However, you still need to consider the area above the barrier.
Potential overhead obstructions may include:
- Trees
- Building canopies
- Signs
- Cables
- Lighting
- Other structures
The complete movement of the barrier arm needs to remain clear.
Which Is Quicker to Open?
A manual raise-arm barrier can be very convenient for entrances that need to be opened and closed regularly.
The operator releases the barrier and raises the arm to allow the vehicle through.
A large swing gate requires the complete gate leaf to be moved through its opening arc and then secured appropriately.
For sites where the entrance is operated frequently throughout the day, ease of operation is worth considering before choosing.
Which Is Better for a Car Park?
Both can be suitable depending on what you're trying to achieve.
A raise-arm barrier can work particularly well where the main objective is controlling vehicle entry and exit.
It creates an obvious barrier across the vehicle route while allowing good visibility around the entrance.
A swing gate may be preferable where you want a more substantial physical closure across the entire opening.
For example, a commercial site may leave a gate open during business hours and close it completely overnight.
Does a Raise-Arm Barrier Stop Pedestrians?
Generally, no.
A raise-arm barrier is primarily intended to control vehicles.
Because the boom is positioned above ground level, pedestrians can usually walk underneath or around it.
If your objective is to prevent pedestrian access as well as vehicle access, a standard raise-arm barrier alone may not provide what you need.
A swing gate can provide a more substantial closure, although pedestrian access and escape requirements still need to be considered as part of the site design.
Can People Walk Around a Swing Gate?
Potentially, yes.
A vehicle swing gate isn't automatically a pedestrian security system.
The surrounding fencing, gate design, gaps and site layout all influence pedestrian access.
If controlling pedestrians is an important requirement, this should be considered separately rather than assuming that a vehicle gate will solve the problem.
Which Is Better for Wide Entrances?
The width of the entrance can influence the decision considerably.
Aremco standard single-leaf swing gates are generally available for openings from approximately 3 metres to 6 metres.
For wider entrances, a double-leaf swing gate may be more appropriate.
Raise-arm barriers have their own maximum practical boom lengths depending on the particular design.
The entrance width should therefore be established accurately before ordering either product.
Single or Double-Leaf Swing Gate?
If a wide entrance requires a swing gate, dividing the opening between two leaves can sometimes be more practical than using one very long leaf.
With a double-leaf gate, one leaf opens from each side and they meet in the centre.
This reduces the length and opening arc of each individual leaf.
However, you then need suitable space on both sides of the entrance for the leaves to open.
What Is a Pogo Rest on a Raise-Arm Barrier?
A pogo rest provides support for the end of the barrier arm when it is in the lowered position.
On a long barrier boom, supporting the free end can help keep the arm correctly positioned when the entrance is closed.
The exact arrangement depends on the barrier design and site requirements.
When requesting a quotation, tell us how you expect the barrier to operate so that the appropriate accessories can be considered.
Can a Raise-Arm Barrier Be Locked?
Depending on the design, locking arrangements can be incorporated to help prevent unauthorised operation.
For some applications, a locking sleeve can also form part of the barrier arrangement.
The required locking method should be considered before ordering, particularly if the barrier will be left unattended.
Can a Swing Gate Be Locked?
Yes.
Manual swing gates can incorporate suitable locking arrangements for the closed position.
They can also be provided with arrangements to secure the gate when open.
This is important because a large swing gate shouldn't simply be left free to move in the wind.
If a gate is going to remain open for long periods, suitable open-position posts or securing arrangements should be considered.
What About Wind?
Wind is particularly important with large swing gates.
A long gate leaf presents a significant surface area, and strong winds can create considerable forces.
The gate should therefore be properly secured in both its open and closed positions.
Raise-arm barriers are also exposed to wind, particularly because of the length of the boom, so they still need to be correctly specified and installed.
Which Requires Larger Foundations?
Both products require appropriate foundations.
A large swing gate places significant forces on its hanging post because the weight of the gate extends horizontally away from the hinge.
A raise-arm barrier also requires a secure supporting foundation for its main post and any associated rest or locking components.
There isn't a universal foundation size that should be used for every installation.
Product dimensions, ground conditions and site requirements all need to be considered.
Root Fixed or Bolt Down?
Depending on the particular product, different fixing arrangements may be available.
A root-fixed post extends below ground and is secured within a prepared foundation.
A bolt-down post uses a base plate secured to suitable structural concrete.
Bolt down doesn't mean the product can simply be fixed directly onto tarmac, block paving or an unsuitable concrete surface.
The supporting structure still needs to be appropriate for the product.
Which Looks More Substantial?
A swing gate generally creates a more complete visual closure across an entrance.
Its steel frame clearly indicates that the site or area is closed.
A raise-arm barrier has a more open appearance and is particularly associated with car parks and controlled vehicle entrances.
The best choice therefore isn't always purely practical – the appearance and purpose of the entrance can also influence the decision.
What About Height Restrictions?
Neither a standard swing gate nor a raise-arm barrier should be confused with a height restriction barrier.
If your main objective is to allow cars through while preventing high-sided vehicles from entering, a height restriction barrier may be more appropriate.
A raise-arm barrier controls whether a vehicle can pass.
A swing gate controls whether a vehicle can pass.
A height restriction barrier controls which vehicles can pass according to their height.
These are three different access-control requirements.
Do I Need an Automatic Barrier Instead?
Not necessarily.
Automatic barriers can be useful where access needs to be controlled remotely, by intercom, number-plate recognition, access cards or other automated systems.
However, they introduce electrical, control and maintenance requirements that may be unnecessary for some sites.
If someone is already available to operate the entrance, or access only needs to change occasionally, a manual system can provide a straightforward alternative.
Aremco Barriers specialises in manual vehicle access-control products rather than automated barrier systems.
Which Requires More Maintenance?
Both should be inspected and maintained.
A swing gate inspection may include:
- Hinges
- Safety restrainers
- Locks
- Posts
- Foundations
- Open-position securing arrangements
- Welds
- General alignment
A raise-arm barrier inspection may include:
- Pivot points
- Boom
- Counterbalance arrangement
- Locks
- Supporting posts
- Pogo rest
- Fixings
- Foundations
- General alignment
Any noticeable change in operation should be investigated rather than ignored.
Raise-Arm Barrier or Swing Gate – Quick Comparison
Consider a raise-arm barrier if:
- Your main objective is controlling vehicles
- The entrance will be operated regularly
- Space beside the entrance is limited
- You want good visibility through the entrance
- Pedestrian restriction isn't the primary requirement
Consider a swing gate if:
- You want a more complete physical closure
- The site may be secured for long periods
- You have sufficient space for the gate to swing
- A substantial gate is more appropriate for the site
- Single or double-leaf arrangements suit the entrance
Could I Use Both?
Potentially.
Some sites have different access requirements at different times.
For example, a raise-arm barrier might control routine vehicle movements during operating hours while a separate gate provides a more complete closure when the site is shut.
Whether this is necessary depends entirely on the individual site.
What Information Should I Provide Before Ordering?
Before requesting a quotation, try to provide:
- Width of the vehicle opening
- Type of vehicles using the entrance
- How frequently it will be opened
- Available space beside the entrance
- Any overhead restrictions
- Existing surface
- Required finish
- Preferred locking arrangement
- Photographs of the site
A simple sketch can also be extremely helpful.
Still Not Sure Which One You Need?
You don't have to decide before contacting us.
If you're unsure whether your site would be better suited to a manual raise-arm barrier or swing gate, tell us what you're trying to achieve.
At Aremco Barriers, we've been manufacturing manual barriers and gates for more than 40 years and can discuss the available options with you.
We manufacture and supply manual gates, raise-arm barriers, height restriction barriers, bollards and other physical vehicle access-control products for commercial and industrial sites throughout the UK.
Standard and bespoke options are available depending on the product and application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a raise-arm barrier and a swing gate?
A raise-arm barrier uses a horizontal boom that lifts upwards to allow vehicles through. A swing gate uses a gate leaf that moves horizontally through an opening arc.
Which is better for a car park?
A raise-arm barrier can be particularly convenient where the main objective is controlling regular vehicle entry and exit. A swing gate may be preferable where a more complete closure is required.
Does a raise-arm barrier stop pedestrians?
Generally, no. It is primarily designed to control vehicles, and pedestrians can normally pass around or beneath the barrier arm.
Does a swing gate need more space?
A swing gate requires sufficient clear space for the gate leaf to move through its complete opening arc. A raise-arm barrier primarily requires clear space above the boom as it rises.
Can a manual raise-arm barrier be locked?
Locking arrangements are available depending on the particular barrier design and required application.
Can a manual swing gate be secured open?
Yes. Suitable open-position securing arrangements can be incorporated so that the gate isn't left free to move.
Does Aremco manufacture automatic barriers?
No. Aremco Barriers specialises in manual vehicle access-control products.
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