Retail Security Gates: AM or RF – How to Choose the Right EAS System

Security gates at the entrance are one of the most common measures against theft in retail. The gates sound an alarm when a product with an active security tag passes through without being paid for. The system is often called EAS, Electronic Article Surveillance. But security gates are not a single product. There are different technologies, and the two most common are AM and RF. Here we explain the differences and how to choose.

How does a security gate work?

An EAS system consists of three parts:

• Gates at the entrance that transmit and receive a signal.
• Tags on the products, either soft adhesive labels or hard tags fastened with a pin or lanyard.
• A deactivator or detacher at the till, where soft labels are deactivated and hard tags are removed when the product is paid for.

If an active tag passes between the gates, the system reacts and triggers an audible and visual alarm. Staff can then act according to the store's procedures.

AM technology

AM stands for acousto-magnetic. The system typically operates at a low frequency of around 58 kHz, and the tags contain small metal strips that resonate when they are hit by the signal.

Advantages of AM

• Often handles wider spacing between gates.
• Less sensitive to interference from metal, foil and liquids.
• Works well for products such as cosmetics, electronics, tools and packaging containing metal.
• Tags can be deactivated and in some cases reactivated.

Things to consider with AM

• Tags are usually somewhat thicker and stiffer.
• The system needs careful tuning to avoid interference from other equipment at the entrance.

RF technology

RF stands for radio frequency. The system typically operates at around 8.2 MHz, and the tags consist of a thin coil and a capacitor, often built into a flat paper label.

Advantages of RF

• Thin, flexible tags that are easy to position.
• Often a lower cost per tag.
• In some cases tags can be built into the packaging by the manufacturer.
• Well suited to books, clothing and products with flat surfaces.

Things to consider with RF

• More sensitive to metal, foil and liquids, which can disrupt the signal.
• May require narrower spacing between gates.
• Electronic interference at the entrance can affect detection.

How to choose the right system

There is no answer that suits every store. The choice depends on several factors.

What products do you sell?

Products containing metal or foil, such as cosmetics, coffee, batteries and tools, often work better with AM. Clothing, books and textiles can work well with either technology. If you already receive products pre-tagged by suppliers, it is important that your system matches their tags.

What does the entrance look like?

The width of the entrance determines how many gates are needed and which technology is suitable. Glazing, automatic doors, metal structures and electrical equipment close to the entrance can affect the system and must be considered in the planning.

The look of your store

Gates come in different designs, from discreet acrylic models to more visible gates that also act as a deterrent. There are also floor- or ceiling-mounted solutions, but these place different demands on the installation.

What is the checkout flow like?

Deactivation and tag removal must work smoothly at every till, including self-checkout. Otherwise you get false alarms when customers leave with paid-for goods, which is both irritating and can damage trust.

Do you want to combine it with other technology?

Security gates can be linked to cameras so that alarms can be followed up with footage. Some systems can also count alarms and show statistics. For stores considering RFID for stocktaking, it may be worth checking whether the same tag can be used for both inventory and theft prevention.

Soft labels or hard tags?

Whether you choose AM or RF, you also need to decide which types of tag to use.

Soft labels

Soft labels are adhesive labels applied directly to the product or packaging. They are deactivated at the till and go home with the customer. They suit packaged goods such as cosmetics, groceries, electronics accessories and books.

Hard tags

Hard tags are plastic tags fastened with a pin, lanyard or cable and removed at the till with a detacher. They are reusable and suit clothing, shoes, bags and higher-value items. There are also specialist solutions such as safer boxes for small, high-risk products and tags designed for bottles.

Many stores use a combination of both, depending on the product category.

Avoiding false alarms

False alarms are one of the most common reasons staff stop reacting to security gates. Some causes and remedies:

• Tags that are not deactivated: make sure deactivation works and that staff know how to use it.
• Interference from other equipment: review the placement of electronics, lighting and cabling near the entrance.
• Products from other stores: customers' own purchases with active tags can trigger alarms. Have a clear and friendly routine for how staff deal with this.
• Incorrect tuning: have an installer adjust the system after installation and whenever the entrance changes.

Routines make a difference

An EAS system works best when combined with clear routines. Decide how staff should respond to an alarm, which products should be tagged and where tags are placed. Position tags consistently so they are hard to remove but easy for till staff to find.

Maintenance and follow-up

An EAS system needs regular attention to keep performing well. A store refit, new electronics placed near the entrance or a change in the product range can all affect detection. It is wise to test the gates regularly with an active tag, check that deactivation works at every till and ask for the system to be retuned after any major change.

How StoreIQ can help

StoreIQ supplies and installs security gates, soft labels, hard tags and deactivators for stores across Sweden. We review your entrance, your products and your checkout flow and recommend AM or RF based on your needs. We run the cabling, mount the gates and tune the system to reduce the risk of false alarms, ideally outside opening hours.

We can also link the gates to your CCTV and follow their status in StoreIQ Hub. Contact us to arrange a store visit and we will help you choose the right solution.