K12 Rated Bollards FAQ

K12 rated bollards are certified by the U.S. Department of State to stop a 15,000 pound truck traveling at 50 MPH. An indpendent engineering firm crash tests the bollard. Retractable bollards are required to operate after they have been struck. Watch the movie and observe the results of our crash test.

We at Calpipe Security Bollards field many questions about K12 bollards. Some of the most frequent questions are:

FAQ

1. May I use a local contractor to install K12 bollards?
2. Do you have a suggested maintenance schedule?
3. Will retractable bollards operate if the power goes off?
4. Why is a pneumatic system preferred over a hydraulic system for retractable bollards?

May I use a local contractor to install K12 bollards?

Yes, local contractors can install our bollard systems. Engineers at Calpipe Security Bollards can assist in developing and designing the system that's right for you.

Do you have a suggested maintenance schedule?

Our embedded and removable K12 bollards require no maintenance.

Our retractable models need light, occassional care to operate well. The power unit, whether hydraulic or pneumatic, requires the most attention. We do recommend the replacement of the seal ring every 30,000 cycles or 6 months. (You may require more frequent seal replacement if the system is subject to harsh conditions.) Changing the seal ring is a simple task that can be accomplished in less than 5 minutes by removing 7 bolts.

Will retractable bollards operate if the power goes off?

A battery back-up system supplies electricity allowing an operator to re-position the bollards after a power-outage. Additionally, the stored air in a pneumatic system - or accumulator size in a hydraulic system - allows a few cycles when external power is not available.

Why is a pneumatic system preferred over a hydraulic system for retractable bollards?

1. A pneumatically powered system allows up to twelve bollards to be operated from one power supply.
2. Maintenance contractors are more familiar with pneumatic systems as they work with them more frequently.
3. Pneumatic systems are more environmentally friendly.