Barrier gates are easy to set up and maintain, offering a low-cost option for traffic control, entry restriction, and conducting any necessary checks. The gate arm is its most critical part because it blocks movement, which is the whole point. The rest of the setup supports the gate arm. Because it moves a lot, it’s exposed to wear and tear from cars, walls, and mechanical impact and may need to be replaced at some point.

We have compiled a list of everything our experts feel you need to know so that when the time comes, choosing the right replacement arm for your barrier gate will be a walk in the park. We shall walk you through the different types of barrier gate arms, the variables you should be looking out for, and where they are applicable so you can make an informed decision.

These are simple, sustainable tools that control traffic and keep your business and residential areas secure. Standard straight arm barriers, like the LiftMaster 15 Ft Round Barrier Arm, are great for buildings with no vertical clearance requirements as they can go all the way up to grant passage to vehicles.

These are flexible with their horizontal coverage and can be applied where low vertical clearances are required because they fold completely out of the way.

Folding gate arms, like the Magnetic Autocontrol Articulated VarioBoom Complete, are also more stable than straight arms for a long distance. They bring the weight closer to the pivot, reducing the chances of the arm's weight overpowering the base. The design also ensures the barrier arm doesn’t hit the roof or ceiling of your building or parking lot.

These barrier gates have forked dual hands hinged to the pivot support, like the Linear SG-TB 1/2 HP Barrier Gate with Wishbone Arm. The two arms provide extra stability and allow you to extend the gates further than your standard barrier arms.

Your ideal barrier gate arm uses resilient materials and finishes, which can be depended on to maintain a professional appearance despite daily use in high traffic areas. Common options for barrier gate arm replacements include aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel poles, and PVC. You may still see the almost-extinct wooden gate arm.

Many security experts promote these materials due to their durability and ability to endure powerful impact forces. Aluminum’s rigidity makes it the most appropriate for long arm lengths. It won’t start bending, and it is not too heavy for the barrier gate operator motor. This is a bonus for high-traffic areas as you can cover multiple lanes or longer distances.

These are lightweight options that are also rigid, although they are more susceptible to damage from vehicle collisions. The silver lining to this is they are less likely to damage automobiles and cause milder injury than aluminum and steel. Their lightweight also makes PVC gate arms ideal for high-traffic areas. They can move at high speeds without straining the controls.

They are also pocket-friendly at approximately 80% the price of similar aluminum arms because the material is easier to extract, and their lightweight translates to lower freight costs. PVC arms are also sustainable from a reusability perspective; they wear off by creasing at the gate bracket. You can trim this bit and use the same pole for a shorter barrier gate.

The basic manual arm moves in one direction, either left or right. The other side usually has a fitted counterweight, which you should give an allowance to move up and down as the barrier raises and lowers.

Automated barrier gate operators can swing the arm left or right, depending on the design and because they use motors to manipulate the arm. Some are unidirectional and can even be set to swing on both sides, enabling you to use the same arm to control both incoming and outgoing traffic.

It is quite easy to overlook this feature amidst all the other qualities you are looking at, and you may end up with a great barrier gate arm replacement that you can’t use because it doesn’t suit your setup. Be vigilant to ensure they move in the right direction for your needs.

These special barrier arms can stop a heavy vehicle from driving at high speeds. They are used in high-security areas and have different K and M ratings based on their impact resistance levels. These standards consider the weight of the approaching vehicle and their projected speed at the point of impact and are set by the United States State Department.

Their popularity has increased with each terrorist attack as concerned parties seek to secure their premises.

The barrier gate arm needs to be powered and requires access to the grid. You need to factor in the power source and how you will do the wiring as you compare options. Having a battery-powered backup, an additional battery pack or solar power compatibility is a bonus as you will be able to maintain the facility or residence parking during a power failure.

Your ideal replacement barrier gate arm can bear the elements without demanding maintenance. It is waterproof, corrosion-resistant, and includes anti-crush features or can be fitted with them. It is also easy to install and operate without many parts that need regular monitoring.

Barrier gates are also known as boom barriers or boom gates and are used to block vehicle or pedestrian access through controlled points for different purposes.

You will find them at level crossings, drawbridges, checkpoints, and entrances to restricted areas. They also function as toll gates to manage traffic through toll booths. These gates manage the access of emergency services by allowing authorized vehicles, like ambulances, fire engines, and other emergency response vehicles, to use designated routes. In some cities, they are even used to prevent jaywalking.

On a private and domestic level, you are likely to see one of these barriers in a parking garage or parking lot, and they are often incorporated with billing and parking restrictions to complete parking systems.