How to Choose an Access Control Pedestal: Standard, Dual & In-Ground Options | All Security Equipment

You have selected the keypad, card reader, intercom, or other access-control device for your gate. Now there is another important decision:

Where are you going to mount it?

For drive-up access control, a pedestal provides a dedicated mounting point that positions the equipment where drivers can conveniently use it from their vehicles.

But not every entrance needs the same pedestal.

The right configuration depends on the access device, vehicle types, mounting method, available space, and how drivers approach the entrance.

At All Security Equipment, we offer three pedestal configurations plus a pedestal extension to accommodate different access-control installations:

This guide explains the differences and helps you determine which option makes the most sense for your installation.

What Is an Access Control Pedestal?

An access control pedestal is a freestanding mounting post used to position entry equipment near a gate, driveway, parking entrance, or other controlled access point.

Depending on the installation, a pedestal can provide a mounting location for equipment such as:

Keypads
Card readers
Proximity readers
Intercoms
Entry devices
Push buttons
Other compatible access-control equipment

Pedestals are particularly useful when there isn’t a convenient wall, column, or other structure available for mounting the device.

Instead, the pedestal creates the mounting location exactly where the access-control equipment is needed.

Why Does the Right Pedestal Matter?

The access device can work perfectly and still be inconvenient if it’s mounted in the wrong place.

Imagine pulling up to a gate and having to open the vehicle door or stretch far out of the window just to enter a code.

Or imagine installing a pedestal and later realizing that a second device needs to be added.

Good pedestal selection considers the complete installation, including:

Device + Mounting + Driver Reach + Vehicle Clearance + Wiring + Future Expansion

That’s why ASE offers different pedestal configurations rather than trying to make one model work for every application.

1. FAS-PEDESTALFAS42: Surface-Mount Access Control Pedestal

The FAS-PEDESTALFAS42 is designed specifically for surface-mount installations. It is a practical option when the entrance already has a solid surface where the pedestal can be securely mounted.

For example, it can be installed on a suitable concrete surface alongside a driveway, gate entrance, or access lane, providing a dedicated mounting point for a compatible keypad, card reader, or other access-control device.

Because this model is designed for surface mounting, the installation requires an appropriate hard surface. If the location does not have concrete or another suitable mounting surface, a burial-style pedestal may be a better choice.

When Should You Choose FAS-PEDESTALFAS42?

Consider the FAS-PEDESTALFAS42 when:

A suitable concrete or hard mounting surface is already available
You need a surface-mounted pedestal alongside a driveway or gate entrance
The entrance primarily serves standard passenger vehicles
You need a mounting point for a compatible keypad, reader, or access-control device
An in-ground pedestal installation is not necessary

For existing entrances with concrete already in place, the FAS-PEDESTALFAS42 provides a straightforward way to add a drive-up access-control station.

2. FAS-DUALPEDESTAL: Dual-Height Pedestal for Cars and Trucks

Not every entrance serves vehicles at the same height.

The FAS-DUALPEDESTAL is designed for entrances that receive both standard passenger vehicles and trucks, providing two mounting heights on the same pedestal.

The lower position provides access for drivers in cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and similar vehicles, while the upper position is designed to make the access device easier to reach from a truck cab.

This makes the dual-height configuration especially useful at:

Warehouses
Distribution centers
Industrial facilities
Commercial properties
Delivery entrances
Truck yards
Gated facilities with mixed vehicle traffic

Instead of making truck drivers reach down to a standard-height keypad—or leave the cab to gain access—the upper mounting position can place the access device at a more practical height.

When Should You Choose FAS-DUALPEDESTAL?

Consider the FAS-DUALPEDESTAL when:

Trucks regularly use the entrance
The property receives both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks
You need access-control devices at two different heights
A standard-height pedestal would be inconvenient for truck drivers
The entrance serves deliveries, commercial fleets, or industrial traffic

A typical setup could use a compatible keypad or reader at each height, allowing drivers to interact with the access system from their respective vehicle positions.

3. FAS-PEDBURIAL: Burial Pedestal for Locations Without a Mounting Surface

What if there is no concrete or other hard surface available for a surface-mounted pedestal?

That’s where the FAS-PEDBURIAL becomes the appropriate option.

This pedestal is designed for a burial or in-ground installation, allowing an access-control station to be installed in locations where there isn’t an existing surface suitable for mounting a standard pedestal.

For example, an entrance may have:

Grass alongside the driveway
Soil or landscaping
An unfinished roadside area
No existing concrete pad
A new gate installation where a surface has not been constructed

Rather than adding a surface solely to mount the pedestal, the FAS-PEDBURIAL can be installed in the ground as part of the entrance installation.

This makes it particularly useful for new gate installations, rural properties, driveways, and other locations without an existing hard mounting surface.

When Should You Choose FAS-PEDBURIAL?

Consider the FAS-PEDBURIAL when:

There is no concrete or suitable hard surface for a surface-mounted pedestal
The access station needs to be installed in soil or an unfinished area
The project requires an in-ground mounting solution
You’re installing access control at a new gate or driveway
A surface-mounted FAS-PEDESTALFAS42 isn’t practical for the location

The main difference is simple:

Have a suitable hard surface? → FAS-PEDESTALFAS42

Need access at two heights for cars and trucks? → FAS-DUALPEDESTAL

No suitable surface for mounting? → FAS-PEDBURIAL

4. FAS-PEDEXT: Pedestal Extension

Sometimes the pedestal configuration is correct, but the installation needs additional positioning flexibility.

That’s where the FAS-PEDEXT Pedestal Extension comes into the system.

Rather than changing the entire pedestal arrangement, an extension can help adapt the installation where additional reach or positioning is needed.

This can be particularly useful when site conditions make the standard mounting position less convenient for the user.

Why Would You Need a Pedestal Extension?

Driver reach is one of the biggest considerations at a vehicle entrance.

The access device should be positioned so drivers can use it comfortably without having to:

Open the vehicle door
Lean excessively out of the window
Pull dangerously close to the pedestal
Reposition the vehicle several times

At the same time, the pedestal itself should not unnecessarily interfere with vehicle clearance.

An extension provides another way to fine-tune the position of the access device for the installation.

When Should You Consider FAS-PEDEXT?

Consider the pedestal extension when:

Additional reach is needed
Site conditions affect device positioning
The access equipment needs to be brought closer to the intended interaction point
The standard pedestal position isn’t ideal for driver access

Always verify compatibility between the extension, pedestal, and equipment being installed.

Which ASE Pedestal Do You Need?

Use the installation itself to narrow down the choice.

ASE Model	Configuration	Consider It When…
FAS-PEDESTALFAS42	Standard pedestal	You need a straightforward mounting solution for an access-control device
FAS-DUALPEDESTAL	Dual pedestal	The installation requires two mounting positions or additional device flexibility
FAS-PEDBURIAL	Burial pedestal	The pedestal will use an in-ground mounting configuration
FAS-PEDEXT	Pedestal extension	Additional positioning or reach is required

The pedestal is only one part of the decision. The next step is making sure it works with the equipment and entrance.

What Are You Mounting on the Pedestal?

Identify the access-control device before finalizing the pedestal.

Keypads

A keypad needs to be positioned where the driver can comfortably reach the buttons.

Check:

Device dimensions
Mounting pattern
Cable entry
Power requirements
Weather rating

Card and Proximity Readers

Readers may require less physical interaction than a keypad, but drivers still need to bring the credential within the reader’s intended range.

Placement should make credential presentation easy without requiring the vehicle to get unnecessarily close to the pedestal.

Intercoms and Entry Devices

Larger devices can have additional mounting requirements.

Depending on the equipment, consider:

Device dimensions
Mounting-hole pattern
Weight
Speaker and microphone location
Display visibility
Camera position
Wiring

Always verify that the pedestal configuration is suitable for the specific device.

Consider Driver Reach Before Installation

One of the easiest pedestal mistakes to make happens before any equipment is installed:

placing it too far from the vehicle.

The driver should be able to use the access-control device conveniently.

But closer isn’t always better.

Putting a pedestal too close to the vehicle path increases the possibility of contact with:

Mirrors
Doors
Bumpers
Trailers

The goal is to find the balance between comfortable reach and adequate vehicle clearance.

Consider the Vehicles Using the Entrance

A residential driveway and a commercial facility can have very different traffic.

Before choosing the final location, determine what regularly uses the entrance:

Passenger cars
SUVs
Pickup trucks
Vans
Delivery vehicles
Commercial trucks

Also consider how vehicles approach the pedestal.

A straight driveway is different from an entrance where vehicles need to turn sharply immediately before reaching the access point.

Don’t Forget the Vehicle’s Turning Path

The pedestal needs to work while vehicles are moving, not just while they’re stopped.

Ask:

Is the entrance straight?
Does the vehicle approach from a turn?
Is there a curb?
How wide is the lane?
Will trucks or trailers use it?
Could a mirror strike the pedestal?
Is there enough clearance after the vehicle passes the access point?

This becomes especially important at commercial entrances.

Plan the Wiring Before Installing the Pedestal

A pedestal doesn’t only hold the device.

It can also provide a pathway for the wiring required by the equipment.

Depending on the access-control system, you may need:

Power
Low-voltage wiring
Relay connections
Credential-reader wiring
Network connectivity
Communication wiring

Determine how conduit will reach the pedestal and how wiring will enter the access device before mounting the pedestal or completing the concrete work.

This is particularly important with the FAS-PEDBURIAL, where the pedestal, conduit, and foundation can all be planned together.

Don’t Assume the Gate Operator Can Power Every Accessory

Another common mistake is assuming that any device installed near a gate can simply draw power from the gate operator.

That isn’t always the case.

Different devices have different power requirements.

A simple keypad may have very different requirements from a:

Video intercom
Camera
Video keypad
Long-range reader
Larger access-control system

Before installation, compare the accessory’s voltage and current requirements with the gate operator’s available accessory power.

If the equipment requires dedicated power, plan for the appropriate power supply.

Keep the Pedestal Clear of Gate Movement

The pedestal also needs to be positioned relative to the gate.

Swing Gates

Keep the access pedestal outside the gate’s swing path.

Drivers should not need to stop within the area traveled by the gate to enter a credential.

Slide Gates

Keep the pedestal, foundation, and conduit clear of the gate’s travel path and moving hardware.

Barrier Gates

Position the access station so the driver can interact with it while stopping at an appropriate location before the barrier arm.

Think About Future Access-Control Upgrades

Today’s entrance may only need a keypad.

That doesn’t mean it will stay that way.

The property could eventually add:

Card access
Intercom
Mobile access
Video
Additional credential technology

If expansion is likely, thinking about it during the initial pedestal and conduit installation can make future upgrades easier.

This is also where choosing between the standard and dual pedestal configurations becomes important.

If you already know the entrance will require multiple devices, planning for them from the beginning is usually better than trying to adapt the installation later.

Surface Mount or Burial: Which Should You Choose?

For many projects, this will be one of the main decisions.

Choose a Standard Surface-Mounted Configuration When:

A suitable mounting surface already exists
You’re retrofitting an existing entrance
Concrete is already in place
Surface anchoring works for the project

The FAS-PEDESTALFAS42 or FAS-DUALPEDESTAL may be appropriate depending on the device configuration.

Choose FAS-PEDBURIAL When:

The project is new construction
An in-ground mounting configuration is preferred
There isn’t an existing surface for anchoring
Concrete and conduit work can be planned together

Neither approach is universally better.

The site determines which mounting method makes the most sense.

Access Control Pedestal Buying Checklist

Before ordering, confirm the following:

Access Equipment

What device will be mounted?
What are its dimensions?
How does it mount?
Where does its wiring enter?

Pedestal Configuration

Standard?
Dual?
Burial?
Extension required?

Installation

Existing concrete?
New concrete?
In-ground installation?
Conduit location?
Cable routing?

Vehicles

Cars?
SUVs?
Pickup trucks?
Commercial vehicles?
Mixed traffic?

Placement

Can the driver comfortably reach the device?
Is there enough mirror and door clearance?
Is the pedestal outside the gate’s movement?
Does the vehicle approach from an angle?
Is additional reach needed?

Electrical

What voltage does the device require?
Can the gate operator supply it?
Is a dedicated power supply needed?
What communication wiring is required?

Answering these questions before ordering helps narrow down which pedestal configuration fits the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an access control pedestal?

An access control pedestal is a freestanding mounting post used to position keypads, card readers, intercoms, and other compatible entry devices near a gate or controlled entrance.

Which ASE pedestal should I choose?

For a straightforward access-control mounting point, consider the FAS-PEDESTALFAS42. If you need two mounting positions, consider the FAS-DUALPEDESTAL. For an in-ground installation, use the FAS-PEDBURIAL configuration. If additional positioning or reach is needed, the FAS-PEDEXT extension may be appropriate.

What is the difference between a surface-mounted and burial pedestal?

A surface-mounted pedestal attaches to a suitable existing surface, typically concrete. A burial pedestal is designed around an in-ground installation. The right option depends on site conditions and how the entrance is being constructed.

When do I need a dual pedestal?

A dual pedestal is useful when the installation requires two mounting positions or needs to accommodate multiple access-control components.

What is a pedestal extension used for?

A pedestal extension provides additional positioning flexibility when the standard pedestal configuration doesn’t place the access device where it needs to be for the installation.

Can I mount any keypad on an access control pedestal?

Not automatically. Compare the dimensions, mounting requirements, cable entry, and mounting surface before selecting the pedestal.

Does an access control pedestal need electricity?

The pedestal itself generally doesn’t, but the device mounted on it likely will. Verify the power and communication requirements of the keypad, reader, intercom, or other equipment being installed.

Find the Right Access Control Pedestal at All Security Equipment

The best access-control pedestal isn’t simply the one that holds your keypad.

It’s the one that positions the equipment correctly for the device, driver, vehicle, gate, and installation.

All Security Equipment offers multiple configurations to help accommodate different projects:

FAS-PEDESTALFAS42
A standard pedestal option for straightforward access-control installations.

FAS-DUALPEDESTAL
A dual configuration when the installation requires two mounting positions.

FAS-PEDBURIAL
An option for projects requiring an in-ground pedestal installation.

FAS-PEDEXT
An extension for installations requiring additional positioning flexibility.

Whether you’re installing a keypad at a residential driveway or building a more complete access-control station for a commercial gate, planning the pedestal at the same time as the access equipment can make the entire installation cleaner and easier to use.

Build Your Gate Entry Station

Shop access control pedestals at All Security Equipment and find the right mounting solution for your gate access equipment.

Need help determining which configuration fits your installation?

Contact the All Security Equipment team with the access-control device you’re mounting and details about the entrance, and we’ll help you narrow down the pedestal and accessories you need.