# Retractable bollards

> Retractable bollards that sink into the ground to let vehicles through: semi-automatic and automatic models, crash-rated to ASTM M30 and M50, with the foundation depths and cold-weather ratings manufacturers publish.

Canonical: https://safetybollards.ca/retractable-bollards
Last updated: 2026-10-26

A retractable bollard drops into a housing in the ground, so a lane can open many times a day without anyone lifting a post. It costs more and needs a deep foundation, drainage and, for automatic models, power.

## What manufacturers publish

| Model (maker) | Body | Height above grade | Mounting | Rating |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SA275/M30-1200 semi-automatic (ännt) | 273 mm steel or stainless, 16 mm wall; raised with a cordless-drill hydraulic | 1200 mm (47.2 in) | Foundation box 1720 mm deep, 1180 × 1180 mm, with cage; rated −40 °C to +70 °C | ASTM M30 (K4), M40 (K8), PAS 68, IWA 14-1 |
| AE275/M50-1200 automatic (ännt) | 271 mm, 23 mm wall, electromechanical | 1200 mm | In-ground housing; EN 124 D400 drive-over when lowered | ASTM M50 (K12), PAS 68, IWA 14-1 |
| G-1631D deployable (Gibraltar) | Not published | Not published | 54 in deep foundation | ASTM F3016-19 S30 P1 |
| DSC720-1M (Delta Scientific) | Steel, decorative castings or stainless sleeves | “Extra height” (not published) | Not published | ASTM M50/P1 (K12) |

## Canadian winters

Check the operating temperature: ännt publishes −40 °C to +70 °C for its semi-automatic model. Ask any maker for theirs, plus how the housing drains and whether it has a heater option, before you specify one for a site that sees freeze–thaw.

## Semi-automatic or automatic

- **Semi-automatic** posts are raised or lowered by hand or with a tool (ännt’s with a cordless drill) and need no wiring. Right for a lane that opens a few times a day.
- **Automatic** posts move on a button, a card reader or a gate controller, and need power, controls and a service plan. Right for a busy entrance.
- For a lane that opens rarely, a [removable bollard](https://safetybollards.ca/removable-bollards) does the job for a fraction of the cost.

## Sources

1. [ännt Bollards, SA275/M30-1200 semi-automatic retractable bollard](https://www.anntbollards.com/product/sa275-m30-1200/) (checked 2026-10-26)
2. [ännt Bollards, AE275/M50-1200 automatic retractable bollard](https://www.anntbollards.com/product/ae275-m50-1200/) (checked 2026-10-26)
3. [Gibraltar, Safety bollards (G-1631 series)](https://www.gibraltarperimetersecurity.com/safety-bollards/) (checked 2026-10-26)
4. [Delta Scientific, DSC720-1M high-security bollard](https://deltascientific.com/product/high-security-bollards-dsc720-1m-certified-m50-p1-k12/) (checked 2026-10-26)

To get a written quote for this, use the site-plan builder: [Build a site plan](https://safetybollards.ca/quote?item=retractable-bollard).

## Related

- [Removable vs retractable bollards](https://safetybollards.ca/vs/removable-vs-retractable-bollards)
- [Removable bollards](https://safetybollards.ca/removable-bollards)
- [Crash-rated bollards](https://safetybollards.ca/crash-rated-bollards)
- [Bollard crash ratings explained](https://safetybollards.ca/crash-ratings)