Motorized Traffic Spike Buyer's Guide

Choosing the right motorized traffic spike system is essential for securing driveways, parking lots, and access-controlled areas while ensuring safe and reliable operation for authorized vehicles. This buyer’s guide is designed to help facility managers, security professionals, contractors, and property owners navigate the wide range of available options. Whether you're outfitting a commercial lot, a gated community, or a high-security facility, understanding the different configurations, accessories, and control systems will ensure a successful installation tailored to your specific needs. In the sections below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Tiger Teeth motorized traffic spike systems, including mounting styles, heater cables for cold climates, end cap accessories, access control devices, signal light integration, and emergency override capabilities.

Motorized Traffic Spike Buyer's Guide

Motorized traffic spike systems form the foundation of any effective vehicle access control strategy. Whether you’re managing a gated community, a commercial facility, or a high-security perimeter, selecting the right spike model is essential to balancing deterrence, traffic flow, and operational efficiency. This section will guide you through the critical components of the spike system itself, including mounting type, motor configuration, voltage compatibility, and control box orientation. Each factor plays a significant role in how the system will integrate with your site and how easily it can be installed and serviced. By understanding the differences between surface and flush mount models, voltage options, and left or right-hand configurations, you’ll be better prepared to choose a system that aligns with your layout, infrastructure, and performance expectations.

Mounting Style: Surface-Mount vs Flush-Mount Spikes

When selecting a traffic spike system, one of the most critical decisions is choosing between a surface-mount or flush-mount installation. These options affect how the product is deployed and maintained over time, as well as its interaction with vehicle traffic.

Surface-Mount Spikes

Surface-Mount Systems are installed directly on top of the pavement and do not require excavation. They are ideal for retrofitting existing parking lots or drive lanes where concrete work is limited or not feasible.
These systems often function as both a deterrent and a speed bump, helping to slow down vehicles as they approach the entry or exit point.
They are easier to install and maintain because all components are accessible above ground.

Flush-Mount Spikes

Flush-Mount Systems are embedded into the ground so the top of the spike plate is level with the pavement surface.
This design offers a smoother surface for traffic and a more aesthetically pleasing installation, particularly in commercial or high-visibility environments.
Flush-mount systems typically require concrete cutting or new paving and are suited for new construction or planned infrastructure upgrades.

Left-Handed vs Right-Handed Control Box Orientation

When configuring a motorized traffic spike system, selecting the correct control box orientation is essential for proper installation and efficient access. The control box contains the system’s motor, circuitry, and interface controls, and it must be positioned on the correct side of the lane relative to traffic flow and site layout.

Left-Handed (LH) control boxes are mounted on the left side of the drive lane when facing the direction of oncoming traffic. This orientation is ideal for one-way roads where the operator or technician accesses the unit from the driver’s side or facility’s left-hand infrastructure.
Right-Handed (RH) control boxes are positioned on the right side of the lane, commonly used in mirrored layouts or where right-side clearance or access is preferred.
Selecting the correct side ensures cables, conduits, and safety systems are positioned properly, reducing installation time and minimizing site disruption.
Be sure to evaluate nearby curbs, walls, and access panels when deciding which orientation will best suit your site’s layout.

Left Handed Spikes

Traffic flows Left to Right

Right Handed Spikes

Traffic flows Right to Left

This option has no effect on spike performance but can greatly impact serviceability and visual integration with your access control environment.

Voltage Options for Motorized Spike Systems

Motorized traffic spike systems rely on electric motors powered by specific voltage inputs, and choosing the correct voltage is critical for system compatibility, safety, and performance. Tiger Teeth systems offer flexibility for integration into existing electrical infrastructure.

Standard 120V AC input is the most commonly used power supply and is ideal for most commercial and residential installations. It is compatible with typical North American outlets and can be stepped down via an internal power supply to lower voltages required by the motor.
24V DC output is the standard internal operating voltage for most motorized systems, offering reliable performance with minimal energy draw. This is typically converted internally from the 120V AC line input.
12V DC motors are available for specialized applications or where lower voltage operation is required. These may be preferable in off-grid or solar-assisted installations.
Optional 110V AC operation may be supported on select systems, depending on the motor design. This can be beneficial for matching legacy infrastructure but is less commonly used.

Ensure the selected voltage aligns with your facility’s available power, and consult with an electrician or site engineer if unsure. Proper voltage selection reduces the risk of electrical faults and ensures smooth spike operation under all traffic conditions.

Manual Override and Emergency Access

In scenarios where power is lost or immediate emergency access is required, manual override options provide a failsafe way to allow passage. These are particularly important in gated communities, fire lanes, and institutional facilities.

Override systems may be mechanical or integrated with spring-loaded designs that allow spikes to flatten temporarily when driven over from the safe direction.
This feature is often essential for police, fire, or ambulance vehicles that need to pass without waiting for electronic activation.
Manual override capabilities ensure that security is maintained without compromising access in critical situations.
Some systems also offer Knox Box compatibility, allowing first responders to activate spike retraction using a standardized keyed system.

Adding override functionality enhances the safety and flexibility of any installation without sacrificing vehicle deterrence.

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Motorized Traffic Spike Accessories Buyer's Guide

Once you’ve selected the appropriate motorized traffic spike system, the next step is to customize it with accessories that enhance performance, control, and safety. This section explores a full range of compatible add-ons including heating cables, access control devices, wireless remotes, signage, and safety components like end caps. These accessories are not just optional upgrades as they play a vital role in adapting the system to your climate, operational needs, and security requirements. For example, heater cables ensure reliable function in freezing weather, while access devices like keypads or GSM modules provide controlled entry tailored to your traffic patterns. Whether your goal is automation, remote access, or added safety for drivers and pedestrians, the right combination of accessories can turn a standard installation into a fully integrated, intelligent barrier system.

Access Control Devices and System Integration

Motorized spike systems can be enhanced with a variety of access control devices that provide secure and flexible operation. These devices integrate seamlessly into existing facility infrastructure or can serve as standalone controls.

Keypads allow authorized users to raise or lower the spikes using a custom 4-digit passcode. These are weatherproof and suitable for outdoor use.
Wireless remotes come in standard fob-style units or industrial-grade versions. They offer push-button control of the spike mechanism from a distance, which is ideal for guard stations or vehicle-mounted operation.
GSM modules enable control of the spike system via SMS from a mobile device. This feature requires a SIM card and allows for remote activation, especially useful for distributed site management.
Loop detectors and timers can be added to automate spike movement based on vehicle presence or time schedules, reducing manual intervention.

Each access control device is designed to improve security, streamline entry and exit processes, and tailor the system’s behavior to the specific needs of a property.

Traffic Lights and Signage Options

Although not included by default with most Tiger Teeth systems, traffic signals and signage are highly recommended for controlling vehicle flow and warning drivers about active spike zones.

Red/green traffic lights can be mounted directly to the control box or placed on a separate post. These lights provide a visual indication of when it is safe to proceed.
Warning signs such as "Caution: One Way Spikes" or "Do Not Back Up" are used to deter unsafe driving and ensure users understand the function of the spike barrier.
Signals can be tied to the spike system so that they change status automatically when the spikes are raised or lowered.
Mounting options vary depending on visibility needs, power availability, and traffic lane configuration.

Well-placed signage and signals greatly reduce the risk of vehicle damage and improve the flow of traffic through controlled access points.

Traffic Spike End Caps for Section Termination

End caps are critical accessories for creating a clean, professional finish on surface-mounted traffic spike installations. They ensure the safety and stability of the spike assembly and the area surrounding it.

End caps are installed at the beginning and end of a row of traffic spikes, covering exposed edges to prevent tripping hazards or tire damage.
They are typically made of durable, weather-resistant metal and match the slope and profile of the main spike body for a consistent appearance.
End caps provide a visual cue to drivers that the spike area is ending, contributing to driver awareness and safety.
Available in 36-inch and 48-inch variants to match corresponding Tiger Teeth spike modules.

These components are essential for compliance with many safety standards in commercial parking areas and gated facilities.

Heater Cable Systems for Cold Weather Installations

Heater cable systems are essential for locations where snow and ice accumulation may interfere with the functionality of traffic spike systems. These systems are designed to ensure continuous operation even in freezing temperatures.

Self-regulating heating cables automatically activate when ambient temperatures drop to freezing levels, providing a reliable way to prevent ice buildup on and around the moving parts of the traffic spike system.
The heat generated keeps the spike blades and housing clear of snow and ice, preventing jams and ensuring consistent performance in winter conditions.
Heater cables are available in multiple lengths, including 6-foot and 12-foot configurations, depending on the size and style of the spike system.
Each system includes a GFCI plug for safe power connection, and they are UL Listed for safety and durability in wet environments.

These systems are especially important for flush-mount installations, where freezing can occur beneath the pavement and hinder the spike's movement.

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Selecting the right motorized traffic spike system and accessories can be a complex decision, especially with so many customization options available. This guide has covered everything from mounting styles and voltage configurations to essential accessories like access control devices, heater cables, and end caps. Each element plays an important role in ensuring your system performs reliably and safely in your specific environment. If you still have questions or need help designing a setup tailored to your site, our experienced team is here to assist. We can walk you through product specifications, compatibility, and installation recommendations to ensure a seamless experience from purchase to deployment. Reach out today to speak with a traffic control specialist and get a custom quote for your project.

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