Mantrap Security
The phrase “mantrap” can be a misleading term as it can often be taken falsely as a door that traps a person. However, mantrap door systems are actually interlocking access control tools that are designed as access control vestibules for high security environments. Their purpose is to deny access to unauthorized personnel, usually from an exit and an entry door. Neither of which can be unlocked at the same time.
Security systems referred to as “Mantraps” can sometimes be understood as doors that trap an intruder or unauthorized personnel, however, most configurations are set to not allow prohibited entrants, while usually allowing exits. Mantrap Security involves interlocking access control tools. A mantrap typically consists of two interlocking doors, where one door must be closed before the other door can be opened, ensuring that both doors are never open at the same time. This setup creates a small space between the doors, which acts as a security buffer and prevents unauthorized access. Mantraps can work great for crowd control and there are several options for this. Most often they are intended to act as a pseudo airlock that transitions from areas of varying security. Another use sees it acting as a “clean room” which ensures assets or information do not exit a restricted area. For example, security portals are used in sensitive rooms such as data centers or executive offices to provide high security and prevent unauthorized entry.
Mantraps can be:
Manually operated, monitored by security personnel
Fully automated, using access control technology such as:
Proximity or access cards
PIN pads
Biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scan)
Several market verticals are known for using mantrap security systems to help increase the safety and security of their buildings. Two examples of this include airports and municipal buildings. Airports use mantrap access control in remote locations to limit and control access to secured areas of an airport. In this application, the mantraps prevent “piggybacking” or “tailgating” and ensure only authorized personnel pass through a security entrance one at a time. These systems help monitor access and reduce the workload for employees by automating identification and entry processes.
However, no matter what you call them, whether they be mantrap security doors, security vestibules, access control systems, or security entrances; these systems are all governed by Programmable Logic Controllers or PLCs. These intricate and robust controllers are programmed to operate interlocking doors with a variety of codes that govern the operation of the system. The installation of mantrap systems may require specialized equipment, a reliable power supply, and careful planning to ensure proper operation. Either a latch & strike or magnetic lock can be used to secure the door. Power is essential for the operation of locks and access control equipment, and backup power solutions are important to maintain security during outages.
Introduction to Mantrap Security Doors
Mantrap security doors are a specialized form of access control system designed to deliver maximum physical security in environments where safety and protection are paramount. Commonly found in financial institutions, jewelry stores, data centers, and airports, these systems utilize two interlocking doors that never open at the same time, creating a secure space—often referred to as a security vestibule or access control vestibule—between them. This design ensures that only one person can enter or exit the secure area at a time, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized personnel gaining entry.
How Mantrap Security Systems Work
Credential Verification
An individual presents valid credentials at the entry door using a card reader, biometric device, or keypad.Controlled Entry
Once authorized, the first door unlocks and allows a single person to enter the vestibule.Interlock Sequence
The first door must fully close and lock before the second door can unlock.Secondary Authorization (Optional)
Additional checks—such as biometric re-authentication, metal detection, or sensor verification—may be required before final access is granted.Access Granted or Denied
Authorized individuals proceed into the secure area
Unauthorized individuals remain contained until security intervention or system reset
In emergency situations, mantrap systems are designed to allow safe egress while still protecting secure areas from unauthorized entry.
The core function of mantrap security doors is to deny access to anyone who is not authorized, while allowing only authorized personnel to pass through the entrance. This is achieved through a combination of access control hardware, such as key cards, biometric readers, or PIN pads, which verify the identity of each individual before granting access. When a person approaches the first door, they must present valid identification. Once the first door unlocks and the person enters the small space between the two interlocking doors, the first door must close and lock before the second door can be opened. This sequence ensures that only one person can occupy the secure space at a time, effectively preventing tailgating and piggybacking attempts.
Mantrap security doors are a critical component of modern access control systems, especially in high security areas where the protection of sensitive materials, valuable equipment, or confidential information is essential. These systems provide safety and control by monitoring and regulating the flow of people into and out of secure rooms or buildings. Whether installed as standard systems or custom-designed to meet special requirements, mantrap security doors can be integrated into new construction or retrofitted into existing facilities, offering flexibility for a wide range of applications.
In addition to their primary security function, mantrap security doors can be seamlessly integrated with other security systems, such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and advanced access control software. This integration allows for comprehensive monitoring and management of entry points, further enhancing the overall security posture of a facility.
The benefits of installing mantrap security doors are clear: they provide a robust barrier against unauthorized access, protect highly valuable assets, and ensure that only authorized personnel can enter high-risk or sensitive areas. By controlling entry and exit with precision, these systems help facilities reduce risk, improve safety for employees and visitors, and maintain strict control over who can access secure spaces.
Common Applications for Mantrap Systems
Mantrap security doors are widely used across industries, including:
Financial institutions (banks, credit unions)
Data centers and server rooms
Government and municipal buildings
Airports and transportation facilities
Jewelry stores and high-value retail
Military and defense installations
Executive offices and restricted corporate areas
Double and Single Lane Options
Isotec’s Double Lane Safety Entrance is an optimizable mantrap system that is ideal for financial institutions, government sites, and detention centers. This entrance is able to fit diverse and niche security needs including asset protection, access control, and weapons detection. The Double Lane system is especially well suited to public-facing businesses that hold high-value assets and can be installed into new buildings or retrofitted into existing buildings. Installing mantrap systems like the Double Lane Safety Entrance enhances security by controlling entry and supporting advanced authentication methods such as access cards and biometric identification. What makes mantrap security systems so appealing to these businesses is the high throughput for high-traffic hours.
Single Lane Safety Entrance is also a completely customizable base model mantrap door system, this version is perfectly suited to smaller businesses and highly classified areas. Data centers, military installations, and jewelry stores tend to choose the Single Lane configuration to protect their information or assets. For example, a jewelry store benefits from the Single Lane Safety Entrance by ensuring only authorized personnel can access secure areas, reducing the risk of theft. Using shared walls, several Single Lane Safety Entrances can be combined to create a large bi-directional system with a massive throughput.
Why You Need A Mantrap
Many industries that require high levels of security to operate or deal with highly valuable or sensitive materials are known for using high security mantrap door systems to help increase the safety and security of their facilities. The average person encounters mantrap door systems more than they realize, at airports, banks, and municipal buildings. These places use mantrap security vestibules to control access to areas with a high risk of burglary or attack, areas where valuable materials are kept, and areas where important information is stored. In this application, Mantrap Door Systems help prevent “piggybacking” or “tailgating” to ensure only authorized personnel pass through the entrance. By automating access control and monitoring, mantrap systems reduce the need for constant supervision, supporting employees and preventing security personnel from being overwhelmed by an influx of people entering or exiting a space.
What is the difference between turnstile and mantrap?
A turnstile is a specialized gate that allows only one person at a time to enter a building. A mantrap is a double set of doors that are often guarded by security personnel. Mantraps often require identification, such as key cards or biometric identification, to grant access through the doors.
Does mantrap prevent tailgating?
Mantraps and vestibules are effective against tailgating, but the access control system should reliably detect tailgating attempts to prevent them from occurring.
Generally, the system is designed so that both doors are never open at the same time; only one door can be open while the other remains closed, ensuring that only one person can pass through at a time.
Mantrap systems also monitor entry and exit, helping to prevent unauthorized access and tailgating by overseeing who enters and leaves the secure area.
Isotec’s Mantrap Security Controls
Isotec’s mantraps can either be stand-alone structures or use a facility’s currently existing doors. Electrifying existing doors with magnetic locks and door position switches can be an alternative to a stand-alone solution. To enhance security, specialized equipment such as sensors, card readers, and cameras can be integrated into mantrap door systems. A reliable power supply is essential for the proper operation of all components within the mantrap system. In truth, mantrap door systems have proven to be effective and more economical than relying on security personnel, specifically for government and municipal buildings.
Our typical mantrap configurations can accommodate bi-directional foot traffic or uni-directional traffic, with dedicated lanes for entry and exit. Mantrap systems are commonly used to secure sensitive rooms such as data centers, executive offices, and server rooms, providing controlled access to these high-security areas. Because we build to standardized specifications, our mantrap security entrances are guaranteed and warranted to perform as defined by the client’s scenario of operation.
What Sets Us Apart:
We use 1200lb pull force magnetic locks that have been cycle-tested and proven for durable performance for 3,000,000 cycles.
We use metal detectors, ballistic rated glass and Millimeter Wave Technology to protection against possible threats.
We utilize “bonding sensors” to ensure our mag locks are bonded with the door’s armature plate.
