Switchable Smart Glass Installation
Learn how to seamlessly integrate switchable glass into your residential and commercial spaces. With a little experience and minimal effort, you can install smart glass yourself. However, precise knowledge of equipment handling and pre-installation steps is essential for the best results.
Choosing the Right Smart Glass Technology
Once you’ve selected the smart glass technology that suits you, the next step is to install it skillfully. While many believe that smart glass installation always requires professional help, the truth is different. Manufacturers may recommend hiring a technician for efficiency, but there are no major barriers to doing it yourself.
Understanding the Difference Between Glass and Film
PDLC smart glass and smart tint are popular choices here in the UAE and globally. As with their function, the installation differs: glass is a ready-to-glaze product, while film is a sticky sheet applied to existing glass. A thorough understanding of the process is necessary before starting your installation.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Installation
We’re here to guide you through smart glass installation with our detailed article. So, let’s get started!
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: 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.
Switchable Smart Film Installation
Prepare the Glass Surface
Clean the glass thoroughly to remove dust and impurities.
Use a non-abrasive cloth beneath the unrolled film to keep it dust-free.
Test the Smart Film
- Ensure the smart film is functioning correctly before installation.
- Check that the film’s dimensions match the glass surface.
- Leave a half-inch space for busbars and wiring cables.
Peel the Protective Layer
- The film comes with a protective covering to prevent scratches.
- Peel off the layer an inch at a time, taping it as you attach the film to the glass.
Apply the Film Slowly
- Apply the film slowly, 2 inches at a time, to avoid air bubbles.
- Avoid rushing the process to ensure a smooth application.
Connect the Power Supply
- Wire the smart film to a power source.
- Seal the edges with non-acid silicone to prevent water intrusion into the PDLC mixture.
Remove the Liner and Test
- Remove the external liner and test the switchable function using the 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.
Innovative Smart
Glass Features
How Does Smart Glass Improve Your Experience In Homes?
Smart glass renders instant privacy at the touch of a button while pouring in the natural light to illuminate your living settings. Visit your nearby store or explore our website to stay updated about the latest trends in smart glass.