Security grates are grid-like barriers installed in wall, floor, and ceiling openings that restrict the unwanted movement of people while letting air pass through. Common applications for security grates include:

  • Rooms in correctional and behavioral health facilities

  • Holding cells in police stations

  • Bank vaults

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing plants

  • Marijuana dispensaries

  • Airport terminals and baggage areas

  • AV equipment and ride controls at theme parks

  • Grocery and big box stores

KEES GR-A1 Security Grate

What Are the Benefits of Using Security Grates?

Passive Protection: Security grates are a one-time installation that work without power and cannot be tampered with or removed by human hands.

Unobstructed Air: Security grates prevent the passage of people while allowing air to pass through unobstructed.

Added Security: Security grates protect openings covered by louvers or other non-security HVAC products that can be tampered with to gain access.

How Do I Specify Security Grates?

Frame Options

Frame Material:

  • A-36 Steel: A common structural steel alloy used in manufacturing

  • Stainless Steel: Heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant metal ideal for wet, outdoor, chemical, or high-temperature applications. Available in 304 and 316 alloys.

Frame Size: The cross-sectional size of the framing angle used to make the frame. The larger and thicker the angle material, the stronger the frame.

Frame Corners:

  • Open: The length of framing angles are the same size as the grate, so when the angles meet, a square space is left open on the corner. Most cost-effective option.

  • Notched: A notch is cut into the space normally taken by an angle, so when the angles meet, the corners are covered by angle material. More expensive than open corners.

  • Mitered: The framing angles are mitered, so when the angles meet, they form a perfect corner like a picture frame. Requires finesse to create and is the most expensive option.

KEES Security Grate Frame Corner Options

Bar Options

Bar Material:

  • A-36 Hot Rolled Steel: A common structural steel alloy that is hot rolled into bars for a cost-effective option.

  • 1018 Alloy Cold Rolled Steel: A low-carbon steel alloy that is cold rolled into bars, making it harder and tougher than hot-rolled steel.

  • 1045 Alloy Steel: A medium-carbon steel alloy that is strong and resistant to wear.

  • Stainless Steel: High-cost, heavy-duty material prized for its toughness and corrosion resistance. Choose stainless steel bars to match a stainless steel frame and vise-versa.

Bar Size: Thicker bars offer increased durability but come at a higher cost.

  • ½” Dia. (Equivalent to #4 rebar)

  • 5/8" Dia. (Equivalent to #5 rebar)

  • 3/4" Dia. (Equivalent to #6 rebar)

  • 7/8" Dia. (Equivalent to #7 rebar)

  • 1" Dia. (Equivalent to #8 rebar)

Bar Shape: All shapes offer equivalent performance, so the choice is down to specifier preference.

  • Rounded

  • Flat

  • Ribbed

Bar Centers: The spacing between bars horizontally or vertically, measured to the bar center. E.g., six inch bar centers are bars six inches apart, center to center.

Other Options

Bolt Holes: Holes pre-cut at the manufacturer, used for mounting grates to the floor, roof, or wall. The spacing between holes is determined by the specifier.

Finish:

  • Painted: Steel alloy painted in a protective two-part polyurethane enamel, epoxy, or heresite coat.

  • Hot-Dip Galvanized: Steel alloy dipped in a galvanized steel bath that provides a protective coating.

  • Mill: Available for stainless steel only.

Call On KEES for the Largest Security Grates in the Industry

KEES security grates are offered in a wide range of sizes—including the largest single-sized grates in the industry, like what we supplied to new construction at the Nashville International Airport. Our flexible production environment means that fractional sizes are just as easy for us to produce as whole sizes, giving our clients unmatched choice in specifying grates to meet their unique needs. Choose KEES for custom security grates made to exact specifications for a perfect fit.