Choosing Barrier Arm Length for Your Entrance Width

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The right barrier arm length depends on the clear width of your entrance, measured between the points where the barrier will sit, minus a small allowance for the arm to open without touching the walls or posts. A custom-made arm sized to your measurement gives the cleanest fit, while a standard length may leave gaps or require awkward mounting.

Why arm length matters

The arm of a parking barrier has to cover the gap it protects while still swinging freely. If it is too short, vehicles can slip past the closed arm. If it is too long, the arm may hit a wall, a pillar or a parked car when it opens, and the motor works harder than it should.

Getting the length right from the start saves rework, and it keeps the barrier looking neat against the entrance.

How to measure your entrance width

Measure the clear opening from one side to the other at the height where the barrier will be mounted. Take the measurement in more than one place, because walls are not always perfectly parallel.

Measure from the inside face of one post or wall to the other.
Note the height of the ground and any curbs or drainage channels.
Photograph the entrance from the driver's point of view.

Allowing for the arm's swing and mounting

The arm needs room to rise and fall. The mounting position and the housing dimensions affect how much of the opening the arm can actually cover, so the final length is worked out from your measurements and the chosen mounting, not from the gap alone.

Tell us whether the barrier will sit on a plinth, be recessed, or be fixed to a wall, because each changes the calculation.

Standard versus custom length

Standard arm lengths are convenient when an entrance happens to match them. Many entrances do not, and an arm that is slightly off can look unbalanced or leave a gap that vehicles can exploit.

A custom-made arm, produced in our factory to your measured width, avoids these compromises. Finishes can also be matched to the surrounding gates and railings.

Safety and visibility considerations

A barrier should be easy to see, especially at night. Reflective strips and a contrasting colour help drivers notice the arm before they reach it.

Consider how pedestrians move near the barrier as well. The arm and its housing should not create a trip hazard or a pinch point at the edge of the path.

Our process for sizing your barrier

We start with photos of the entrance and an on-site measurement. From there we prepare a drawing and a written specification showing the arm length, the mounting and the finish.

You approve the drawing before production begins. The arm is built in our Tel Aviv factory and then finished for outdoor use, after which it is installed on site.

Frequently asked questions

Can I order a barrier arm before measuring the entrance?

It is better to measure first, because an arm ordered without the exact width may not fit. Send us photos and approximate dimensions, and we can arrange an on-site measurement.

Do I need to measure at a specific height?

Yes, measure at the height where the barrier will be mounted, and check that the ground is level across the opening. Any slope or curb can change the effective width.

Is a longer arm always better?

No. A longer arm than the opening needs can hit walls or parked cars and strain the motor. The length should match the measured opening and the chosen mounting.

What information should I send with my inquiry?

Send photos of the entrance, the measured width, the wall or post materials and whether the barrier will be surface-mounted or recessed. This helps us prepare an accurate specification.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is measuring only once at one point and assuming the walls are parallel. Always measure at least twice and at the mounting height.

Our recommendation

Measure the clear opening at mounting height in two places, then send us the photos and figures before ordering so we can confirm the arm length and mounting in a written drawing.

Summary

Choose your barrier arm length by measuring the clear entrance width at mounting height and allowing for the swing and mounting. A custom-made arm gives the best fit for most entrances.

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