Smart Glass Installation – Your First Step Towards Instant Privacy
Learn how to integrate switchable glass into your residential and commercial settings. With a little experience and minimal effort, you can manage to install smart glass yourself. However, precise knowledge about equipment handling and pre-installation steps is mandatory for better results.
Having opted for the smart glass technology that best suits you, a step forward is the procedure of installing it skillfully. People think smart glass installation is an arduous task that always requires professional assistance, but the reality says something different. Manufacturers do recommend hiring a seasoned technician to make the process more efficient. Nevertheless, there are no major obstacles to doing it yourself.
PDLC smart glass and smart tint are the most usable forms of this rewarding technological product here in the UAE and across the globe. Like in functioning, switchable glass and film differ in their initial setup as glass is a ready-to-glaze product, whereas film is a sticky sheet applied to existing glass. Hence, in-depth knowledge about operating the apparatus is a must before you begin installing switchable glass.
We are here to assist you with smart glass installation through our detailed article, which is intended to address this issue. So, let’s begin.
Learn How to Install Switchable Smart Glass Film?
Unlike traditional glass, switchable glass is an electronic product and requires connection to a power supply for its functioning. This connection is usually established through proper wiring that creates a bridge between the privacy glass and a transformer that steps down the voltage. Thus, the installation of smart glass is somehow different from that of regular glass.
From careful unloading to skillful handling and pre-installation cleaning to post-installation wire hiding, we’ll essentially look at everything that makes your smart glass user experience exceptional.
Pre-Installation Steps to Smart Glass Setup.
Before putting smart glass into your living spaces, you need to ascertain whether the product is in excellent condition. For this purpose, you should consider the following measures.
Unloading the Smart Glass Cautiously.
As your switchable glass glazing reaches your doorstep, make sure to discharge it with care. Abrupt or reckless equipment handling can lead to drastic consequences and permanent damage, resulting in financial loss.
Handling Smart Glass with Proper Care.
Before and during the installation process, handling the switchable glass with diligence is imperative. Careful management of the product helps eliminate the chance of scratches and stains, which can compromise its beauty.
Setting up an Installation Environment.
Cleaning the place where you are going to set up your privacy glass is the first step in preparing an installation environment. It’s also advisable to sterilize the product and the area where you will fix it (existing window glass in case of switchable film) to clear the dust particles and debris.
You can use a blade to remove the scratches on the existing glass before applying the smart tint.
Checking the Dimensions of Smart Glass.
Ensure the privacy glass aligns well with the dimensions of the desired location. This step is more specific for switchable glass because switchable film can be easily trimmed using a pair of scissors.
How to Install a Switchable Glass Film?
Switchable glass film does not necessarily require the inclusion of an experienced technician as it is designed as a DIY product. However, it would be best if you considered some basic steps to have a streamlined installation experience.
As of now, you understand how vital pre-installation measures are to the accurate employment of smart glass products. While unrolling the film, use a non-abrasive material like cloth beneath it to avoid contact with impurities like dust. After ensuring that your smart film is working properly, align it to the glass surface where you are going to apply it. This step investigates whether your smart film dimensions are compatible with the existing glazings so that they fit perfectly. Professionals recommend leaving half an inch space to accommodate the busbars and wiring cables.
The smart tint comes with a protective covering that reduces the chance of scratching during its setup. Peel off this layer an inch and tape it while you attach the film to the glass. Complications may arise if you are too fast with the process, so apply the film slowly, 2 inches at a time. It minimizes interruptions in the form of air bubbles.
The final step marks the connection of smart film with a power supply, which is achieved through wiring. Since the smart film is not laminated with a glass panel, sealing the edges with non-acid silicone is necessary to prevent the water intrusion into the PDLC mixture.
Remove the external liner and instantly turn your glass windows switchable via remote control.
How Do I Know I Am Installing the Film Right Way?
- Use a lint roller to remove glass contamination before applying the smart tint.
- Wipe the sticky side of the switchable film with a cloth so that no debris shifts to the glass.
- Avoid peeling off the film too many times, as it allows air and dust to trap within.
- Ensure that both the film and glass are free from moisture.
What is Smart Glass Glazing?
Smart Glass Glazing is the process of installing smart glass in windows and other architectural frames such as doors, ceilings, and facades. Switchable glass is a ready-to-glaze product, so its installation process is a bit different.
Basic Installation Components.
- Smart Glass itself.
- A transformer which is connected to a power source.
- Wires that connect switchable glass with transformer.
Wiring of Smart Glass.
- Heat-Shrink Connector
- Terminal Blocks
- Twist and Tape Method
- Wire Nut
These methods help provide electric current to the switchable glass panels, enabling them to exhibit transparency changes and offer privacy on command.
Post-Installation Steps Add Beauty.
Follow these steps to make the smart glass last longer:
- Use cable channels to cover the wires, as exposed wires can interfere with the smooth functioning. Also, it helps give a tidy look.
- Clean switchable glass with a clean cloth to minimize the sticking of dust and other impurities.
Is Smart Glass the best choice?
Whether you are an architect, an interior designer or a common man planning to renovate your house, the question that always crunches you is if smart glass is the best option or not. Well, if we weigh the benefits on one side with the cost on the other, the benefits certainly weigh much more. Smart glass, with its privacy settings and ease to handle, not only adds beauty to your homes and offices but also saves most of your energy. With its one time investment at the time of installation, the fruit of this innovative technology can be harvested for more than five years. Hence, smart glass is the best solution to your problems today.
People Also Ask:
Does smart glass require electricity to function?
Smart glass is an electronic product, and its most usable form, i.e., PDLC smart glass, works on alternating current. However, it consumes a little bit of voltage.
What is smart glass used for?
Smart glass is used to provide instant privacy on demand. It uses a PDLC film, where tiny liquid crystals alter their orientation and shift between opaque and transparent states.
How much electricity does switchable glass consume?
Smart glass uses 6 watts of power per square meter per hour. This corresponds to a small consumption of energy.
