Turnstile Installation Site Preparation Requirements
Document Type: Site Preparation Checklist Equipment: Turnstile / Pedestrian Access Control Systems Audience: General Contractors, Facility Managers, Site Coordinators Version: 1.0 Last Updated: February 12, 2026 Owner: John Lang
Purpose
This document outlines the site preparation requirements that must be completed BEFORE the VidIn installation team arrives. Proper site preparation ensures efficient installation, prevents delays, and protects both the equipment and installation quality.
Critical: Failure to complete these requirements will result in installation delays, additional costs, and potential rescheduling.
Pre-Installation Coordination
Scheduling and Access
- Installation date confirmed with VidIn Project Manager
- Site access procedures communicated to VidIn team
- Security clearance requirements provided (if applicable)
- Badge/credential requirements identified
- Parking location and loading dock access confirmed
- On-site point of contact designated and contact information shared
- Installation timeframe coordinated with other trades
- Avoid scheduling during overhead work, welding, or dust-generating activities
Equipment Delivery Coordination
- Equipment delivery date confirmed
- Receiving location identified and accessible
- Loading dock or delivery entrance confirmed
- Path from delivery point to installation location verified clear
- Storage location identified for equipment prior to installation
- Climate-controlled space preferred (avoid extreme temperatures)
- Secure location to prevent damage or theft
- Adequate space for quantity of equipment ordered
Site Conditions and Environment
Work Area Preparation
- Installation area is clear and accessible
- Minimum 10-foot clearance around installation zone
- Debris, materials, and obstructions removed
- Other trade work in immediate area completed
- Environmental conditions suitable for installation
- Temperature between 50°F and 90°F
- Humidity below 80%
- Area is dry (no standing water, leaks, or moisture issues)
- Adequate lighting available at installation location
- Minimum 50 foot-candles of illumination
- Temporary lighting provided if permanent fixtures not yet installed
Safety and Access
- Fire extinguishers accessible and marked
- Emergency exits clearly marked and unobstructed
- First aid kit location identified
- Restroom facilities available for installation crew
- Safe access to electrical panels (if installer coordination needed)
Floor and Surface Preparation if Applicable
Finished Floor Requirements
- Finished Floor (FF) is installed and fully cured
- Critical: Turnstile installation CANNOT proceed on unfinished surfaces
- Floor surface is flat and level
- Maximum deviation: 1/8” over 10 feet
- No heaves, protrusions, cracks, or irregularities
- Surface is smooth and free of debris
- Floor material is suitable for mounting
- Concrete: Minimum 3,000 PSI compressive strength
- Other surfaces: Verify with VidIn PM before installation
For Baseplate Installations
- Finished Floor (FF) is in place at installation location
- Surface is precisely flat and level
- Baseplates do not flex—any irregularities will cause alignment issues
- Baseboard and trim work completed at installation perimeter
- Baseboard may require cutting or temporary removal for cable routing
- Wall penetration should be no higher than baseplate height
- Recommended penetration width: approximately 6 inches
- Floor finish/coating is complete and dry
- Epoxy, sealant, tile, linoleum, polish or other fully cured
- No risk of surface damage during installation
Electrical Requirements
Power Infrastructure
- Dedicated electrical circuits installed per specifications
- Located per plans
- Correct number of circuits for install number of lanes.
- Voltage: 110VAC, 20A circuits (standard configuration)
- Remote Power supply’s low voltage wires run
- Circuits labeled and identified in electrical panel
- GFCI protection as required by local code
- Power available at installation location or within 10 feet
- Cable whips installed with adequate length
- Power source verified and tested before installation date
- Electrical panel accessible to installation team (if troubleshooting needed)
Verify with Alvarado
Confirm the maximum number of lanes supported per 110VAC/20A circuit. Update the checklist above when confirmed.
Low Voltage Wiring
- Network/data cables pulled to installation location
- Cat6 or better for network connectivity
- Cable labeled with lane number or position identifier
- Adequate slack provided (minimum 6 feet at termination point)
- Access control wiring installed per VidIn specifications
- Card reader cables
- Entry and Exit triggers
- Emergency fire egress wiring
- 24VDC pulled for remote powered systems to location of power supplies
- (3)Three lanes per power supply
- Adequate slack provided (minimum 6 feet at termination point)
- Do not bury cables in walls without access
Conduit and Cable Routing
For Conduit-Based Installations
- Conduits installed per approved layout drawings
- Conduit locations verified against VidIn installation drawings
- Adequate conduit size for cable pull (minimum 1” diameter)
- Conduits cut flush with or below Finished Floor (FF)
- Critical: Equipment models that sits flush with floor—conduit must not protrude
- Recommend cutting conduit 1/4” below FF surface
- Conduit openings deburred and smooth (no sharp edges)
- Conduits are clear, dry, and free of obstructions
- Pull string or fish tape in place (if cables not yet pulled)
- No water, debris, or concrete inside conduits
- Cable pull completed (if specified in scope)
- Cables labeled at both ends
- Adequate slack at termination points
- Cable length adequate for installation needs
- Minimum 10 feet of slack at each termination point
- Cables not pulled taut or under tension
For Baseplate Installations
- Cables routed to adjoining wall at ground level
- Wall penetration cut through baseboard area
- Penetration height: no higher than baseplate (typically 1 inch)
- Penetration width: approximately 6 inches
- Cable length adequate for installation needs
- Minimum 10 feet of slack at each termination point
- Cables not pulled taut or under tension
- For multi-lane installations: Cables pulled from both directions
- Example: 5-lane system requires cable from left (3 lanes) and right (2 lanes)
- Confirm cable routing plan with VidIn PM before pulling
- NO EXCEPTIONS
Specialized Requirements by Installation Type
For ADA-Compliant Lanes
- ADA lane width verified (minimum 36 inches clear)
- Approach and egress areas meet ADA slope requirements
For High-Security Installations
- Bollards or physical barriers installed (if required)
- Emergency egress pathways verified clear
- Integration with building fire alarm system coordinated
For Outdoor Installations
- Weather protection measures in place
- Canopy or covering over installation area
- Drainage adequate (no standing water at installation location)
- Environmental sealing requirements identified
- Power and data lines protected from elements
Final Pre-Installation Checklist
48 Hours Before Installation
- VidIn PM contacted to confirm installation date and time
- All site preparation items above verified complete
- On-site contact confirmed available during installation
- Any outstanding issues or concerns communicated to VidIn
Day Before Installation
- Work area swept and cleaned
- Access routes verified clear
- Equipment staged and accessible (if already delivered)
- Utilities (power, HVAC) operational in installation area
- Other trades notified of installation schedule
Morning of Installation
- Final walk-through of installation area
- Verify no overnight changes or obstructions
- On-site contact ready to meet VidIn installation team
- Site access procedures ready (badges, sign-in, parking)
Common Issues That Cause Installation Delays
🚫 Avoid These Problems:
- Unfinished floor → Cannot install until FF is complete and cured
- Conduits not cut flush → Equipment won’t sit properly; requires cutting on-site
- No power available → Electrician must be called before installation proceeds
- Cables not pulled → Installation delayed while cables are run
- Other trades working in area → Safety hazard; installation cannot proceed
- Inadequate lighting → Installers cannot work safely or accurately
- Work area not cleared → Installers spend billable time moving materials
Result of delays: Additional trip charges, labor costs, and project timeline impact.
Communication and Documentation
Required Documentation
- VidIn installation drawings reviewed and approved
- Electrical specifications confirmed with electrician
- Low voltage cabling specifications confirmed
- Any site-specific requirements communicated to VidIn PM
Contact Information
VidIn Project Manager: Name: John Lang Email: jlang@vid-in.com Phone: [Contact PM directly]
Site Contact: Name: ___________________________ Email: ___________________________ Phone: ___________________________
General Contractor: Company: ___________________________ Contact: ___________________________ Phone: ___________________________
Acceptance and Sign-Off
By signing below, the site representative confirms that all site preparation requirements have been completed and the site is ready for VidIn’s installation team.
Site Representative Signature:
Name: ___________________________ Company: ________________________ Date: ____________________________
VidIn PM Acknowledgment:
Name: John Lang Date: ____________________________
Appendix: Quick Reference
Minimum Requirements Summary
✅ Finished Floor installed and cured ✅ Floor flat, level, and clean ✅ Conduits cut flush or below floor level ✅ Power and data cables pulled and accessible ✅ Work area clear with 10-foot clearance ✅ Adequate lighting (50+ foot-candles) ✅ On-site contact available during installation ✅ Site access procedures communicated
Have Questions?
Contact your VidIn Project Manager at least 72 hours before installation if any site preparation items cannot be completed. Early communication prevents costly delays.
Remember: Proper site preparation is a partnership. VidIn provides expert installation, but we rely on you to prepare the site. Together, we ensure a smooth, efficient, and high-quality installation.