Mantrap Systems

also known as interlock or airlock are designed to allow controlled access to a vestibule area or room and creating a secured area. Only one of the two doors may be open at any time so it's a very effective way to control traffic. Many variations are possible. Mantraps are often used in jewelery and coin stores, banks, goverment buildings, embassies and airports. We sell a mantrap system that can be customized just for your needs.





What things to consider when building a mantrap locking system?

Mantraps are often manual swing doors forming a vestibule but they can also utilize automatic doors or gates. Two door mantraps are most common but systems can incorporate thirty or more doors when several controlled areas are interconnected. Clean rooms require clean air separation for a controlled environment. These air locks may also utilize air pressurization to maintain the sterile area. Some “air locks” use normally unlocked doors, however better systems will utilize doors that are normally locked with push button release stations on each. This insures that two or more doors cannot be opened simultaneously.

Security interlocks typically incorporate doors that are normally locked. Traffic flow can be improved for less secure areas by allowing the interior doors to be unlocked while the perimeter doors are locked. If automatic door operators are installed, electric locks may not be required if the activation signal from the push button or motion detector can be interrupted by the interlock control to inhibit the door from opening.

Automatic sliding doors and swing doors with electromechanical locks require special locking systems integrated with the automatic door operator.

Life safety codes may be involved when mantraps are used to limit ingress and egress. These will require that door interlock system be interfaced to the fire alarm control to allow an emergency door release. A local emergency pull station may be required to allow doors to be unlocked in non-fire alarm emergencies or to interface the mantrap system with NFPA 101 delayed egress controls. The most reliable systems provide for an independent door interlock controller to be separate from the computerized card access system for ease of service.

The local building code agency should always be consulted before installation of the locking system. There are situations where no locks restricting an exit are permitted. In these systems only traffic lights are used to indicate when entry or exit is permitted.