36V Drain-Free Hydraulic Bollards

Executive Summary

In the security and access control industry, traditional automatic bollards have always come with two major headaches: complex underground drainage and high-voltage electrical risks.

The new generation of 36V DC fully-sealed, drain-free hydraulic bollards completely eliminates these hurdles.

By running on safe low voltage and featuring a zero-drainage, IP68 submerged design, this system slashes civil installation costs by up to 60% while delivering flawless reliability in wet UK conditions.

Techno One 36V drain-free hydraulic bollard installed on a driveway

1. Key Benefits & Selling Points

1. Complete Electrical Safety (36V Safe Low Voltage)

Zero Shock Hazard: Operating on 36V DC Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) means there’s no risk of electrocution—even if the pit floods or wiring degrades over time.
Ideal for Public & High-Footfall Areas: The safest choice for schools, universities, residential complexes, and busy high streets.
Streamlined Compliance: Eliminates high-voltage grid restrictions, allowing quicker sign-offs and straightforward electrical installation.

2. Fully Sealed & Drain-Free Design (IP68 Submerged)

No Drainage Channels Required: The pre-cast underground casing is completely sealed at the base, doing away with the need for deep trenching, soakaways, or drainage pipe runs.
True IP68 Water Resistance: Engineered with industrial vacuum seals and multi-layer fluororubber gaskets, the drive unit keeps working smoothly even when fully submerged during heavy rain or groundwater surges.
Silt & Debris Proof: Prevents mud, grit, and gravel from entering the hydraulic mechanism, extending motor life and preventing pressure loss.

3. Smooth, Heavy-Duty Hydraulic Performance

Hydraulic Self-Locking: Holds its position firmly without dropping or creeping down under vehicle weight or impact.
All-Weather & Anti-Freeze Fluid: Premium hydraulic oil maintains optimal viscosity across extreme UK temperatures (-30°C to +70°C).
Brushless DC Motor: High-efficiency, whisper-quiet operation with significantly less wear and tear compared to older AC motors.

4. Emergency & Smart Safety Features

Manual Pressure Relief: In the event of a total power outage, the bollard can be manually released and lowered in seconds for emergency vehicles.
Dual Protection Circuit: Built-in overload and thermal protection prevent coil burnout during heavy, continuous usage.

2. 36V Drain-Free vs. Traditional 230V Bollards

Feature	Techno One 36V Drain-Free Bollard	Traditional 230V AC Bollard
Electrical Safety	36V DC Extra Low Voltage; zero shock risk	230V AC mains; higher risk in damp environments
Civil Works	Shallow pit; no drainage trenches or soakaways needed	Deep excavation; mandatory drainage connection
Installation Cost & Time	60% faster install; up to 30% lower civil costs	Time-consuming with high groundwork expenses
Ingress Protection	IP68 fully submersible drive unit	Typically IP65–IP67; vulnerable to water pooling
Maintenance	Virtually maintenance-free (no clogged drains)	Regular clearing of silt traps and drainage channels

3. Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Required Tools & Materials

Concrete cutter, breaker/demolition hammer, C30 concrete, 10–20mm gravel, 18mm PVC conduit, self-adhesive waterproof electrical tape, 3-core & 4-core cable, spirit level.

1. Site Assessment & Layout

Map out underground utilities (cables, water mains, fiber). Mark out installation lines keeping a center-to-center distance of 1.0m to 1.2m between bollards.

2. Pit Excavation

Excavate a pit measuring 500mm × 500mm with a depth of 850mm to 900mm (including a 120mm gravel base layer).

3. Sub-Base Preparation

Lay a 120mm compacted base of 10mm gravel and sand. Position the casing so the top flange sits 5mm to 10mm above the finished ground level to prevent surface water runoff and grit buildup.

4. Leveling & Anchorage

Level the casing precisely using a spirit level. Weld rebar or steel brackets to the casing and secure them into the pit walls to prevent shifting during concreting.

5. Conduit & Cabling

Run 18mm PVC conduit to each unit:

Motor Cable: 3-core × 2.5mm² (Red: Up, Yellow: Down, Black: Common).
LED & Solenoid Cable: 4-core × 1.0mm² (Pink pair: Solenoid valve; Black/Red: LED ring).
Main Supply Line: 2-core × 6.0mm² back to the control cabinet.

Crucial Note: All junction connections must be wrapped with multiple alternating layers of high-pressure waterproof self-adhesive tape and PVC tape.

6. Electrical Testing

Connect to the 36V control panel and run test cycles up and down. If direction is inverted, swap the Red and Yellow motor wires in the panel.

7. First Backfill Layer

Fill around the outer casing with gravel/sand up to 300mm below ground level (leave at least 400mm space if block paving or asphalt is being laid). Compact thoroughly.

8. Final Concrete Pour

Pour C30 structural concrete evenly around the unit up to the top flange level. Double-check level alignment during the pour.

4. Technical Specifications

Operating Voltage: 36V DC (SELV)
Motor Power: 300W
Pillar Diameter: 219mm (±2mm)
Rising Height: 600mm (±10mm)
Rise / Lower Speed: 4s Up / 3s Down
Casing Material: 304 Stainless Steel
Ingress Protection: IP68 (Drive Unit) / IP67+ (Housing)
Impact Resistance: M30 / M50 Equivalent
Operating Temperature: -30°C to +70°C
Drive Mechanism: Integrated Hydraulic Unit (Two-in-One)