There are two types of barriers in terms of what powers them: battery-powered and hard-wired. The first kind of barrier runs on batteries, which can last for a few months before being replaced. Hard-wired safety barriers, on the other hand, run on electrical power and must be constantly powered to function.

There are a few differences between battery-powered and hard-wired safety barriers which are listed down below:

Battery-powered barriers are cheaper.

These types of barriers need no electrical power to run. Electrical power costs much more, while batteries can easily be purchased from dairies and supermarkets. Moreover, in terms of long-term usage, battery-powered barriers are much cheaper than hard-wired ones, from installation to maintenance.

Battery-powered barriers are easier to install and maintain.

Barriers that function on batteries are usually powered by the standard ‘D cell’ batteries. Thus, replacing the batteries can be simple as this kind can be usually bought at any supermarket or dairy.

These barriers can also alert you when the battery level is low. LED lights start flashing, alerting you or those in charge of maintenance that the battery needs to be replaced.

On the other hand, hard-wired safety barriers are harder to install because they require additional wiring to an electrical outlet or connection to an electrical source. In an existing construction or warehouse setting, this may mean added efforts in installation and maintenance. Knowledge of circuits and electronics is needed to maintain hard-wired safety barriers.

Battery-powered barriers require battery changes when needed.

A disadvantage of battery changes, however, is that constant maintenance is needed. After 6 months, the batteries may need to be replaced. For hard-wired barriers that run on constant electrical power, the only time the safety barriers would stop working is when the power goes off. For battery-powered barriers, a continuous supply of batteries must be bought and be available at hand so that replacement can be done as soon as needed. This may not happen so often, but it is still an ongoing service issue.

Battery-powered barriers are safer to maintain.

Barriers that run on batteries may be considered safer and more secure because of its more compact power source. For hard-wired barriers which run on electricity, these are prone to electrical problems and incidents due to the technical knowledge required to maintain them. Electricity is quite dangerous to handle and can cause accidents if not handled with the proper training and equipment.

Hard-wired barriers are more powerful than battery-powered ones.

Compared to battery-powered barriers, hard-wired barriers are more powerful because they are powered by electricity. Electricity is a more constant power source, with voltage amounts that can be easily adjusted according to need. Electric barriers are more reliable and long-lasting than those that simply run on batteries. It must be noted however that these may be pricier due to the amount of power needed to make them function.

When choosing between battery-powered and hard-wired barriers, it is important to consider the budget you currently have, the maintenance of the barriers, and the overall cost. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so these choices must be weighed carefully against each other.

Verge is your partner in improving workplace safety

If you are looking for the proper barrier to use for any purpose, contact Verge Safety Barriers! We specialise in safety barriers, barrier systems, column protection, dome mirrors, and much more.

Check out our products and know what your range of options are. For more information, our staff will be more than happy to get on a call with you.