3-wing vs 4-wing revolving doors is the main design choice after the diameter, because the number of wings sets how many compartments turn through the entrance and how big each one is. The MC-RD3/4 automatic revolving door from Coetz™ and MC Automations comes with either three or four wings. This guide compares the two and helps you choose.
In this guide
3-wing vs 4-wing revolving doors: the difference
- Three wings divide the drum into three compartments. Each compartment is larger, which suits people with luggage, prams, trolleys and wheelchairs.
- Four wings divide the drum into four smaller compartments, so more compartments pass the opening in each turn and the entrance stays closed to the outside more of the time.
Both use the same drum diameters, from 1 800 to 3 600 mm, and the same total height of 2 500 mm; see revolving door sizes.
3-wing vs 4-wing revolving doors compared
| Point | 3-wing | 4-wing |
|---|---|---|
| Compartments | Three, larger | Four, smaller |
| Luggage, prams, trolleys | Better suited | Tighter |
| Steady pedestrian flow | Good | Good, more compartments per turn |
| Keeping wind and dust out | Good | The drum is closed more of the time |
| Typical buildings | Hotels, hospitals, shopping centres | Offices, banks, corporate lobbies |
| Price | On request | On request |
3-wing vs 4-wing revolving doors: when to choose three wings
- Hotels and airports where guests carry suitcases.
- Hospitals and clinics with wheelchairs, walking frames and prams.
- Shopping centres where shoppers push trolleys.
3-wing vs 4-wing revolving doors: when to choose four wings
- Office and corporate lobbies with steady streams of people carrying little.
- Exposed entrances where keeping wind, dust and noise out matters most.
- Buildings with a side door that handles wheelchairs and deliveries separately.
What both include
Whichever you choose in the 3-wing vs 4-wing revolving doors decision, the MC-RD3/4 comes standard with an aluminium leaf, PLC control, a fire-plate ceiling, a mechanical lock, a safety bumper, an emergency stop and a reduced-speed accessibility button, with laminated safety glass. Options include anti-collision and anti-squeeze sensors, a fire-alarm interface, a night security door, remote control and panic breakout; see revolving door safety.
Speed, comfort and accessibility
The MC-RD3/4 has variable speed, so either layout can be set to a comfortable walking pace, and the reduced-speed accessibility button slows the door further for people who need more time. In the 3-wing vs 4-wing revolving doors decision, think about who walks through most often:
- Older people and families with children move more comfortably through the roomier compartments of three wings.
- Office workers walking in steady streams move smoothly through four wings.
- Wheelchair users are best served by a larger three-wing door together with a side door.
Choosing in four steps
- Who uses the entrance: luggage and wheelchairs point to three wings.
- How busy it is: steady office traffic suits four wings.
- How exposed it is: windy, dusty entrances benefit from four wings.
- Ask for a survey so the layout is confirmed on the project drawing.
Read automatic revolving door for the full specification, revolving doors South Africa for the buying guide and automatic door vs revolving door for the alternatives. The glazing is laminated safety glass; glass in doors must comply with SANS 10400-N, published by the South African Bureau of Standards.
3-wing vs 4-wing revolving doors: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 3-wing and a 4-wing revolving door?
A 3-wing door has three larger compartments, while a 4-wing door has four smaller ones that pass the opening more often in each turn.
Which is better for a hotel?
A 3-wing door usually suits a hotel, because the larger compartments fit guests with suitcases and trolleys.
Which is better for an office?
A 4-wing door suits a busy office lobby where people carry little and the drum should stay closed to the outside.
Does a 4-wing revolving door cost more?
Both are price on request and quoted per project, because the diameter, finish and options all affect the price.
Can a wheelchair user use a revolving door?
A larger 3-wing door helps, and the reduced-speed accessibility button slows the door down; many buildings also add a side door.
Coetz™ and MC Automations, Unit 2, 84 Ridge Road, Laser Park, Johannesburg. Call 010 412 0062, WhatsApp 076 613 4418 or use our contact page.
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