A secure entryway is your first line of defense against an intruder, making this a natural starting point when planning security upgrades. A “mantrap” is among the best ways to prevent unauthorized access because it removes the most common forms of user error that tend to compromise security.
A “mantrap” is a type of secure access control vestibule that forces visitors to enter one at a time through a passage with interlocking doors at either end.
These interlocking doors are the defining feature. Configured so that only one door can be opened at a time, they form a sort of airlock: there is no free flow in and out, and once someone is in the secured space between the doors, they cannot proceed further without passing some sort of security screening, such as swiping a card, entering a PIN code, checking in electronically, scanning an app or key fob, or presenting credentials.
Mantrap-style secure access control vestibules are especially popular in higher-security settings where demonstrating clear security standards compliance is a major issue, including data centers, financial institutions, and medical facilities. They are also increasingly common in school environments.
Below, we’ll discuss the major differences between prefabricated and custom mantrap access control vestibules so you can best determine what’s right for you.
Security is never one-size-fits-all, and not all mantraps are created equal. In most cases, getting a custom security vestibule designed specifically for your building and application will give you much more protection for the cost compared to a pre-fabricated solution.
| Custom Secure Entryway | Pre-Fabricated Mantrap | |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $35,000–$65,000, fully installed | $29,000–$60,000+ for the unit alone, before installation |
| Ballistic rating | Tested to UL 752, the standard for bullet-resistant equipment | Not typically engineered with ballistic material |
| Forced-entry / blast rating | Available, matched to your specific threat and safety needs | Not typically tested against forced entry or blast |
| ADA compliance | Designed and verified against your local fire code and accessibility requirements | Often marketed as "ADA-compliant," but manufactured without knowledge of your local code |
| Integration with existing systems | Built to work with your current access control, monitoring, and life-safety systems | Comes in fixed manufacturer configurations; often requires renovation to fit |
| Aesthetic fit | Designed to match your building's existing look and structure | Limited configurations rarely blend with existing architecture |
| False-positive risk | Configured around your screening process and staff workflow | Automated systems prone to locking in legitimate visitors, including responding officers |
| Installation | Included in the quoted price, done by TSS crews | Typically separate, and often requires additional assembly |
Benefits of Modern Access Control Vestibules
When someone uses the term ‘mantrap,’ they usually imagine a security vestibule with interlocking doors that automatically ‘trap’ anyone who fails authentication, holding them until security personnel arrive. In the real world, that design is uncommon. In many places, it’s not even legal.
First and foremost, it’s rare for a security vestibule to rely on an entirely automated access control system. In most cases, the mantrap is monitored. Visitors enter, present credentials or use other verification, such as biometric data, a PIN pad, key card, app, or a brief check-in with a receptionist or security guard, etc. Then they are buzzed through or denied entry. This design enforces a process that more reliably prevents intruders from tailgating a legitimate visitor. It also makes it easy to increase security as needed, or incorporate improved security through multi-factor authentication (MFA) access control solutions.
In addition to keeping out potential threats, mantrap-style access control vestibules also tend to improve building operations. The airlock door configuration reduces strain on building HVAC, increasing comfort and improving efficiency.
Funneling all visitors through monitored secure entryways makes it possible to fully access control and visitor management systems and maintain a comprehensive building log and audit trail for each staff member or guest. You know who entered when, what authentications they provided, and often how long they stayed. In the case of a security incident, this information is invaluable. It’s also helpful on a daily basis. These logs can verify timesheets, assist in tracking down lost deliveries, confirm the building has been fully evacuated in an emergency, or guide rescue workers.
Shortcomings of Pre-Fabricated Mantraps
Prefabricated access control vestibules are expensive considering what you get. Even a basic ‘steel phone booth’ mantrap – not ADA-compliant – starts in the $29,000 to $40,000 range.
Most organizations looking for something even slightly larger, more attractive, or ADA-compliant can expect to pay $40,000 to $60,000 (or more) for a single-person entryway.
Keep in mind, these are entry-level prices for the unit itself. This doesn’t include installation or, in many cases, assembly. The unit itself is not bullet-resistant, blast-rated, or tested against attempts at forced entry. You’re buying a glass box with a steel frame, maglocks, and wires.
A more significant stumbling block is that these pre-made mantraps come in a narrow range of manufacturer-specified physical configurations. These might not work with your existing security systems and protocols, further, it is unlikely a prefabricated mantrap will seamlessly mesh with your building aesthetic and existing security infrastructure (access control, monitoring systems, and so on). In most cases, you’ll need to renovate to accommodate the mantrap and its supporting systems.
Additionally, prefabricated mantraps often conflict with accessibility standards, fire codes, and safety procedures.
Even if the unit is sold as ADA-compliant, a UK-based company producing high-quality prefabricated mantraps in China is unlikely to be fully informed of and compliant with fire code and accessibility requirements in your city or state.
Fully automated mantrap solutions are also frustratingly, sometimes comically, prone to false positives.
False Positives With Automated Interlocking Door Entry Points
Sam Tuohey, a former COO for a California credit union, shared a textbook example of mantrap false positive issues:
His credit union’s mantrap was so sensitive it regularly locked in customers carrying nothing more dangerous than a roll of quarters. Then, when a criminal came in to cash forged checks, the teller signaled an alert that prompted police to respond.
The system flagged the officers’ firearms and locked them inside the vestibule while the suspect fled out a back door. Tuohey’s credit union removed the system shortly after that.
Mantraps, Access Control Vestibules and Custom Security Solutions
At Total Security Solutions, we’ve been crafting custom security solutions for decades. We pioneered the secure vestibule, retrofitting custom bullet-resistant access control systems into existing entryways. We initially did this for schools that needed a cost-effective way to enforce security checks for anyone entering the building. We’ve since added access control vestibules to many different types of buildings, particularly city and municipal offices, government facilities, corporate headquarters, data centers, and medical offices.
In contrast to prefabricated mantraps and access control vestibules, TSS specializes in true bullet-resistant entryway and access control security.
Our entryway retrofits are made using tested ballistic materials, rated to meet specific threats ranging from small handguns to high-powered rifles. Security vestibules can also be forced-entry or blast rated to address your specific security and safety needs.
Depending on the level of protection, custom entryway solutions usually range from $35,000 to $65,000.
That price is for a fully custom, fully installed, ballistically rated solution, and not a single, untested, un-rated, pre-made component that you need to install at your own expense.
TSS Creates Custom Access Control Vestibules, Secure Entrypoints and Mantraps
A custom access control vestibule builds off your existing structure and seamlessly integrates with your aesthetics and systems.
Your secure entrypoint can work with a guard, incorporate new or existing access control and life safety systems, directly integrate a metal detector, and vastly increase the effectiveness of video since you can position people as you choose, in a constrained space with good lighting. It might even include detection systems for environmental hazards or explosives. We customize our systems however the end-user needs.
These are flexible solutions, intended to blend with your building and support your security and operational realities.
Getting that right means taking the time to understand what you really need, and all get the little details right so everything meshes seamlessly.
What makes TSS stand out is that we’re willing to work with other security vendors as equals. Other companies in our industry shy away from that. They don’t understand access control or cameras, so they don’t want to deal with it. We’re not intimidated by these challenges, and we embrace any opportunity to collaborate.
We at TSS know education has to precede any informed buying decision.
We’re happy to make materials available at no cost to you to support good, comprehensive security planning. If you have any questions, or are ready to begin moving forward with a project, we’re here to help.
Contact our ballistic security experts to learn more about designing your ideal secure entry system, or request a quote if you are ready to begin. Our team looks forward to speaking with you.
