Wedges

Some projects require a higher level of security than what bollards and barrier arms offer. Wedges are a low-maintenance, high-security option to prevent vehicle theft, threat protection, and added security to your commercial or industrial property. Wedges offer a combination of both durability and security while leaving behind a compact footprint.

Three photos side by side of barrier arm set ups with wedges. automated electric gate opener operators solar motor motorized automatic access control driveway estate slide swing rolling cantilever vertical lift vertical pivot open close stop key pad switch push button three button control intercom call button telephone entry computerized entry loop exit obstruction shadow detector transmitter receiver radio frequency wifi box cantilever aluminum

Access control wedges come in a variety of sizes and can fit across multiple lanes, and can be combined with other access control products for maximum security. Covered in a powder coating, these wedges are both attractive and abrasion and corrosion resistant; each wedge has red, urethane bumpers used for safety striping and to reduce vibrations and noise on top of a non-slip surface. All wedges run off DC electric motors, and can come equipped with battery back-up (which is highly recommended). Access control wedges are available in both standard and crash-rated barrier systems, can be utilized in many locations, and can come equipped with safety features to accent your project.

STANDARD WEDGES

Wedge and barrier arm comb unit. automated electric gate opener operators solar motor motorized automatic access control driveway estate slide swing rolling cantilever vertical lift vertical pivot open close stop key pad switch push button three button control intercom call button telephone entry computerized entry loop exit obstruction shadow detector transmitter receiver radio frequency wifi box cantilever aluminum

Standard access control wedges are utilized for light vehicle security. These wedges act with industry standard access control options, so they are not standalone products. Wedges are easily integrated with barrier arms and/or access control gates. The integration is processed in a series, i.g. wedge goes down, barrier arm goes up, slide gate opens and the vehicle is able to enter or exit. A standard wedge is surface mounted onto a concrete mount—keep in mind that some mounts may require an additional concrete pour to be up to code.

THE SPECS

  • Standard wedges are anywhere from 9’-14’ in width, with a 15” opening.
  • Standard wedges have an FS30 classification meaning they can stop a full-size sedan going up to 30mph.
  • A standard wedge can open and close in 5 seconds; with an emergency open option, a wedge can open and close in 1-3 seconds.

CRASH-RATED WEDGES

Industrial wedge for access control fully deployed. automated electric gate opener operators solar motor motorized automatic access control driveway estate slide swing rolling cantilever vertical lift vertical pivot open close stop key pad switch push button three button control intercom call button telephone entry computerized entry loop exit obstruction shadow detector transmitter receiver radio frequency wifi box cantilever aluminum

Does your property require a higher level of security? Is it more susceptible to being penetrated by larger, faster vehicles? Are you looking for a more discrete form of access control? If so, you should opt for the crash-rated barrier wedge.

A crash-rated wedge is larger than the standard wedge, and typically covers the whole lane. Crash-rated wedges are easily integrated with other forms of access control such as barrier arms, sliding gates, and traffic lights. Unlike the standard wedge, these wedges are placed inside a shallow wedge mount within the concrete—these wedges can be very discrete and perfect for high-profile facilities. Crash-rated barrier wedges provide optimal security protection while maintaining a low visibility with minimal rebar and a low concrete volume.

The aftermath of a truck running in to an industrial wedge that stopped it in its tracks. automated electric gate opener operators solar motor motorized automatic access control driveway estate slide swing rolling cantilever vertical lift vertical pivot open close stop key pad switch push button three button control intercom call button telephone entry computerized entry loop exit obstruction shadow detector transmitter receiver radio frequency wifi box cantilever aluminum

THE SPECS

  • Crash-rated wedges are very large—typically lane width—15”+ opening.
  • Crash-rated wedges have an M30 and M50 classification meaning they can stop a larger vehicle going up to 50mph.
  • A crash-rated wedge can open and close in 3 seconds; with an emergency open option, a wedge can open and close in as little as 1 second with spring assistance.

This is the aftermath of a vehicle after hitting a crash-rated wedge.

SAFETY FEATURES

All wedges can come equipped with additional safety features to ensure the protection of people and property around your facility:

A wedge installation with attached barrier arm and security light. automated electric gate opener operators solar motor motorized automatic access control driveway estate slide swing rolling cantilever vertical lift vertical pivot open close stop key pad switch push button three button control intercom call button telephone entry computerized entry loop exit obstruction shadow detector transmitter receiver radio frequency wifi box cantilever aluminum
  • Traffic lights and LED lights
  • Vehicle loop detectors
  • Ethernet connections
  • Photo eyes
  • Kill switch
  • Battery back-up
  • Emergency open/close
  • Hand-pump for manual close

APPLICATIONS

The different types of wedges work better in certain locations. If you have a higher-security facility, a crash-rated wedge will provide the right amount of protection, however a standard wedge will work for many commercial sites. Check out the breakdown below to see what category your location falls into:

Wedges installed at a high security parking establishment. automated electric gate opener operators solar motor motorized automatic access control driveway estate slide swing rolling cantilever vertical lift vertical pivot open close stop key pad switch push button three button control intercom call button telephone entry computerized entry loop exit obstruction shadow detector transmitter receiver radio frequency wifi box cantilever aluminum
STANDARD WEDGES CRASH-RATED WEDGES
CAR RENTAL FACILITY

 PARKING LOTS (AIRPORT, APARTMENT COMPLEX, PRIVATE PROPERTY

 PARKING GARAGES
(ABOVE AND UNDERGROUND)

 CORPORATE FACILITY ENTRANCES   		PRODUCTION/MANUFACTURING OF
RESOURCES FACILITIES (I.G., FUEL)

MILITARY FACILITIES

AIRPORTS
(FACILITITY PERIMETERS)

DATA CENTERS

CRASH-RATED WEDGES can also come in a discrete option
for high-profile facilities or for aesthetically appealing access control:

POLICE/FBI FACILITIES

STADIUMS

EVENT/CONVENTION CENTERS

ARENAS AND AUDITORIUMS

INSTALLATION

Workers digging the necessary holes for the wedge installation. automated electric gate opener operators solar motor motorized automatic access control driveway estate slide swing rolling cantilever vertical lift vertical pivot open close stop key pad switch push button three button control intercom call button telephone entry computerized entry loop exit obstruction shadow detector transmitter receiver radio frequency wifi box cantilever aluminum

Regardless of which wedge is right for your facility or project, it is important to follow the correct steps during installation to ensure both safety and functionality.

STEP 1: Read and plan—follow all safety information that is supplied and work with your crew to make sure everyone is prepared for the project.

STEP 2: Determine wedge plate/surface mount location—ensure proper alignment and overall safety of your project.

Worker preparing site for installation. automated electric gate opener operators solar motor motorized automatic access control driveway estate slide swing rolling cantilever vertical lift vertical pivot open close stop key pad switch push button three button control intercom call button telephone entry computerized entry loop exit obstruction shadow detector transmitter receiver radio frequency wifi box cantilever aluminum

STEP 3: Measure and calculate—measure multiple times to verify the proper clearance and access for mechanical parts.

STEP 4: Design loops—follow the wedge manuals to design vehicle loops sufficient for your project.

Step 5: Generate power—install the communication and power sources in correlation to the operator’s manual.

Step 6: Installing the wedge—take excellent safety precautions when moving and installing the wedge.

Follow the manufacturer installation guides for standard wedges and crash-rated wedges.

ASK THE EXPERTS

American Access Company focuses solely on gate operators, barriers, and access control systems. As the Midwest’s largest reseller and installer of access control systems, the American Access Company team is full of experts who have been trained by the manufacturers to design, sell, install, and maintain your access control system. American Access Company installs over five-hundred automated access control system a year. Visit our website to schedule your free estimate with our team of access control experts.

We proudly offer these services and more in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Rochester, Minnesota; Kansas City, Kansas; Grand Island, Nebraska; Omaha, Nebraska; Lincoln, Nebraska; Sioux City, Iowa; and Des Moines, Iowa.