FAQ’s
General
Where is PriWatt™ PDLC products manufactured?
We manufacture in USA using top quality materials.
Are PriWatt PDLC products approved by UL?
Yes. Both PriWatt Glass and PriWatt self-adhesive film are certified by Underwriters Laboratories – UL E514182. Besides that PriWatt PDLC interlayer is also tested by INTERTEK – ASTM E662, ASTM E1354 and SMP 880-C
Is PriWatt Glass approved by the Safety Glazing Certification Council?
Yes, PriWatt Glass is certified by SGCC and successfully tested by Black Waters boiling test ANSI/CAN 16 CFR 1201 and ANSI/CAN impact test.
Does your company provide installation service?
Yes. Our experts provide professional PriWatt™ products installation service in USA or Canada.
Can I order a sample of PriWatt™ PDLC products?
Yes, you can order a user-friendly sample kit here.
How do I specify my PriWatt product order?
Refer to our Quote Form. Our representatives will contact you to discuss details and drawings.
What is the average lead time for a PriWatt project?
PriWatt Film orders can be manufactured and ready for dispatch within 10 days. PriWatt Glass orders may take up to 30 days. Contact us to discuss potential timeframes for your project.
What is the overall capacity of production?
Beyond our USA production facilities, we have additional manufacturing facilities in Canada and overseas to support capacities of any size.
Does PriWatt Glass come in standard sizes?
Yes. PriWatt PDLC film, the active component used in our product, comes in rolls of 46”, 60”, and 70” widths each with a maximum length of 140”.
Is there a warranty for your PriWatt Glass products?
Yes, Smart Glass Technologies offers two (2) year warranty on our PriWatt™ switchable PDLC film and three (3) year warranty on our PriWatt™ laminated glass products. We do offer up to a 10 year extended warranty that can be purchased (Please consult with one of our sales representatives).
Do you manufacture laminated glass products other than switchable glass or film?
Yes – we also use different interlayers to make custom laminated glass products that can be viewed here.
Technical
What is a Bus Bar?
Bus Bars are thin, conductive silver/copper strips that are affixed to the PriWatt film and to which the electrical wires are soldered or stapled. They allow the electricity to activate the liquid crystal molecules. Our busbar fabrication method is a patented technology – US11686966B2
How do I install PriWatt Glass?
Refer to our Installation Guide.
How do i install PriWatt Film?
Our experts are available in all major USA and Canadian cities, however certified electrician should be engaged to handle the electrical wiring.If you would like to install PriWatt film. by yourself, please do not hesitate to contact us for detailed instructions.
Does PriWatt Products affect transmission of UV light?
Yes. In its opaque (default/off) state, PriWatt PDLC effectively blocks 99.9%+ of harmful UV rays. With the use of certain glass types, and/or a variety of interlayers, we are also able to increase the energy efficiency of the product.
Can PriWatt Glass be cut down in size after manufacture?
Unfortunately this is not possible. Each Privacy Glass panel is manufactured to specific measurements. Once sizes have been confirmed they cannot be altered.
How much electricity is required to operate PriWatt products?
Our PriWatt PDLC operates on standard line voltage (120V AC) through a transformer that delivers 48-54V AC Power and consumes less than 1 watt per square foot of glass/film area.
Can we hook up PriWatt PDLC to a remote control?
Yes. Your electrician can install a remote control device, motion sensor, timer, dimmer or integrate into an existing automation system.
Can you drill holes in the PriWatt PDLC products?
Yes. PriWatt panels can be manufactured with holes, notches, and custom shapes.
Does PriWatt Glass need a specialist to install it?
PriWatt Glass installs in the same environments and with the same tools as most standard glazing. However, you must use our specified silicones, and an electrician must be engaged to handle the electrical wiring.
How do I clean the PriWatt Glass or Film?
PriWatt PDLC products should be cleaned with a soft cloth and gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh chemicals and the use of sharp instruments. Ensure you remove all liquids that may have collected around edges during the cleaning process.
Is PriWatt PDLC completely clear when turned on?
It is ‘transparent’ once switched on. %VLT (Visual Light Transmission) is approximately 77%-82% when viewed straight on. Depending upon lighting conditions in its installed environment, you can expect to see a 25%-30% ‘scattered light reflection’ or ‘haze’ while in its transparent state.
Can I trim or cut the PriWatt™ Film on the site?
PriWatt™ Film is custom manufactured using special equipment to insure straight cuts, however our team can cut or trim PriWatt™ Film on the site without compromising its effect.
Can you adjust the level of opacity in PriWatt Glass products?
Yes, the amount of opacity can be controlled with a dimmer switch.
What is the expected life-span of Privacy Glass?
PriWatt™ PDLC interlayer has a very long life – over 1000000 cycles.
Do I need an Authorised PriWatt Glass Dealer in my area to install my new switchable glass?
Even though PriWatt Glass is highly technological, it installs the same as most other standard glazing. We can work with your choice of glazing contractor.
Can I buy switchable PriWatt film, and apply it myself?
Yes, please contact our sales team for detailed information.
What are the clear edges around the perimeter of the PriWatt Glass panels?
This is a normal characteristic of all Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLC) laminated glass products. When we cut the PDLC interlayer to size it is always undersized by 1/8” along each edge – this would typically give you a total 1/4” deficiency across both width and height of the glass size. When the glass is laminated it is subjected to pressure and heat. During this process the switchable interlayer shrinks, increasing the edge clearing slightly further. This clear portion of the glass provides essential protection to the liquid crystals from damage and/or contamination during both the laminating process and later when the panel is installed. It is not possible to have the PDLC interlayer right up to the edge of the glass.
Do PriWatt Glass panels require special maintenance?
As long as the proper voltage is maintained, there are no special maintenance concerns apart from the following care:To meet limited warranty requirements and to ensure the longevity of the PriWatt PDLC interlayer it is important that PriWatt Glass is switched off for a minimum of 4 hours out of every 24 hours.Timer: A 24-hour timer is highly recommended to be installed for each power supply/transformer or group of power supplies/transformers to ensure that the PriWatt PDLC glass is turned ‘off’ for the minimal 4 hour period. If a timer is not used, switching ON and OFF daily is encouraged to ensure that the panels remain functional.
Can it block light from coming through when it is in its ‘off’ state?
PriWatt™ has a Visual Light Transmittance of approximately 77%-82% with 3% clarity in its ‘off’ state, and blocks 99.9% of UV rays.
Can PriWatt Glass be incorporated in Double Glazing?
Yes. This combination is the most energy efficient. We also make our double glazed PriWatt Glass units using Argon gas and TriSeal super spacer to minimise the convection currents within, providing a high quality IGU.
Can Privacy Glass be used as a door?
Yes. We can manufacture PriWatt Glass to be used in either a framed or semi-framed door panel. It can also be made for exterior double-glazed doors (or windows). For hinged doors or windows a special electrical power transfer device is needed.
Does PriWatt Glass come in different colours?
A variety of coloured glass and/or tinted films may be incorporated into a PriWatt Glass panel to achieve a decorative or coloured effect. However, once colour has been applied it will always be present and may affect the transparency when in the active, ‘ON’ state.
Can Privacy Glass be made bullet resistant?
Yes, various grades of impact resistant laminates can be included.
Can Privacy Glass be made fire-resistant?
Yes, we can manufacture PriWatt Glass with fire-rated glass.
Can PriWatt Glass it be curved?
Yes. Specifications have to be of the utmost precision for the making of PriWatt curved glass.
Can it be an alternative to blinds?
Yes. PriWatt PDLC Glass is versatile in its uses.
Can PriWatt Glass be half and half?
Yes. This design feature can be created by having a PriWatt laminated with only a percentage of it covered with Switchable PriWatt film, and the rest of the glass in clear. The percentage can be varied to whatever proportion of PriWatt Glass you would like, and even as to how many portions (or strips) you would like.
Can you use it for Acoustics?
Yes. Panels can be laminated with a proprietary acoustic interlayer and/or double glazed. As a guide, a standard PriWatt panel provides an Acoustic Rating of Rw 36. For effective acoustic performance of a room all walls, doors and windows must have the proper seals in place.
Can PriWatt products be used in Sliding Doors?
Yes. Our installation experts use a proprietary magnetic connector system and track system for the activation of PriWatt panels installed as operable walls, sliding or stackable doors or windows.
Can PriWatt Glass be used as a shower screen?
Yes. PriWatt Glass can be used in a shower screen or bathroom enclosure.