Early Warning Detection Door System

Early Warning Detection is an exit lane breach control system by Horton Automatics that adds a layer of security to a one-way exit on a revolving door. If someone attempts unauthorized entry from the wrong direction, the system warns them off before they reach the door. If they keep going, the door locks down, while normal exit traffic continues without interruption.

It's used in healthcare facilities, transit hubs, and secure commercial buildings, anywhere a facility needs to keep a one-way exit open to authorized traffic but closed to a breach attempt. 

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How it Works

The system uses motion sensors tied directly into the revolving door's own controls to detect an incident in progress and respond in two stages, giving your exit lane continuous monitoring, an advance warning, and reduced risk of an unauthorized entry attempt going unnoticed:

  • Early Warning Detection: When a person enters the warning zone on the wrong side of the door, the system sends an automated alert, a clear visual and audible signal that entry isn't allowed.
  • Lockdown Response: If the individual keeps moving toward the door in an attempt to force entry, the system signals the door to stop and lock instantly.
  • Uninterrupted Authorized Exit: Normal egress traffic exiting through the secure side of the door continues without interruption. The system only reacts to wrong-direction movement, so day-to-day facility operations aren't affected.

Key System Features 

Intelligent Dual-Sensor Technology

Two independent detection points monitor traffic flow for early threat detection:

  • The Early Warning Sensor activates alarms or safety sensors and lights the moment someone approaches from the unauthorized side.
  • The Lockdown Sensor uses people-counting technology to confirm a real breach attempt before triggering lockdown, which helps the system tell the difference between a genuine attempt and ordinary foot traffic nearby.

Custom Corridor Configuration

The system mounts above the corridor at a height of 7 feet and spans the full width of the exit lane's passage. Corridors must be between 3'4" and 10' wide. If a corridor doesn't already exist, we can add sidelites to create one.

Built Into Your Door's Controls

The system connects directly to the revolving door's master control, locking system, and existing door hardware, so the door handles the warning and the lockdown together.

Where It’s Used

  • Healthcare facilities use it to protect patients and staff by preventing reverse traffic at emergency exits or secured departments. Early alerts allow staff to respond faster and support facility emergency response protocols.
  • Retail environments: Protect inventory and reduce loss by monitoring and securing emergency or staff-only exits. Helps deter internal theft, unauthorized deliveries, and after-hours access violations.
  • Transit hubs and airports use it to maintain control over secure areas with automated lockdown during an unauthorized access attempt, supporting public safety while keeping passenger flow smooth on the authorized side.
  • Commercial Facilities and Corporate Campuses use it to deter unauthorized access in office building lobbies, employee-only corridors, and secure exits, while keeping normal traffic flowing for authorized users.

Need a more secure door than a standard add-on? Early Warning Detection is built for a standard revolving door and helps facilities stay prepared for a breach attempt as part of a broader risk management approach. For facilities that need a dedicated security door, Horton also makes Secure Exit Lane and Security Revolving Door systems, which add anti-piggybacking, anti-tailgating, and additional access control for higher-security applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

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No, the system only reacts to someone moving the wrong direction through the exit lane. Anyone exiting the correct way passes through without interruption.

In most cases, yes. The system needs a corridor between 3'4" and 10' wide, mounted 7 feet up. If that corridor doesn't already exist, we can add sidelites to create one.

No. Early Warning Detection is an add-on for a standard revolving door. Secure Exit Lane and Security Revolving Door are separate, dedicated security revolving doors built for facilities that need a higher level of security.

Just people. The system uses motion and people-counting sensors to detect someone moving the wrong direction. It isn't designed to detect objects.

Healthcare facilities protecting restricted departments and emergency exits, transit hubs and airports controlling one-way exits, and commercial buildings and corporate offices securing employee-only corridors.

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