Switch Glass Frequently Asked Questions
View a large number of our most frequently asked questions at Switchglass.
You can check out our Switchglass Youtube channel here
General
We manufacture in Australia using best-quality materials.
Yes, you can order a user-friendly sample kit here.
Refer to our Product Guide.
Small orders can be manufactured and ready for dispatch within 10 days. Larger orders may take up to four weeks. Contact us to discuss potential timeframes for your project.
Beyond our production facilities, we have ready access to additional local and overseas production facilities to support capacities of any size.
Yes. Switchable PDLC film, the active component used in our product, comes in rolls of 980mm, 1220mm, 1520mm and 1820mm width each with a maximum length of 3500 long being the largest in the world.
Yes, our standard warranty period is two (2) years. We do offer up to a 10 year extended warranty that can be purchased (Please consult with one of our sales representatives).
Yes – the different interlayers we use to make custom laminated glass products can be viewed here.
Technical
Refer to our Installation Guide.
Yes. In its opaque (default/off) state, Privacy Glass effectively blocks 99%+ 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.
Unfortunately this is not possible. Each Privacy Glass panel is manufactured to specific measurements. Once sizes have been confirmed they cannot be altered.
Our Privacy Glass operates on standard line voltage (240V AC) through a transformer that delivers 65V AC Power and consumes approximately 5 watts per square metre of glass area.
Yes. Your electrician can install a remote control device, a laser-tripping or motion detecting device. For creative use, the Privacy Glass can even be made to change in time to music.
Yes. Privacy Glass panels can be manufactured with holes, notches, and custom shapes. Once the manufacturing process is complete, the panels cannot be altered, so any holes or other such fabrication must occur at the manufacturing stage.
Privacy 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.
Privacy Glass 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.
It is ‘transparent’ once switched on. %VLT (Visual Light Transmission) is approximately 75% 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.
Yes, the amount of opacity can be controlled with a switch similar to a dimmer switch.
Based on factory testing, the panels have a very long life – over 7,000,000 switches and still counting after 10+ years.
We custom manufacture Privacy Glass as a direct glass replacement product for existing framework. It can be installed by a glazing contractor of your choice into wood, vinyl, or aluminium framing systems.
Even though Privacy Glass is highly technological, it installs the same as most other standard glazing. Therefore, we do not require, certify, or assign ‘authorised dealers’ to install our product. We will work with your choice of glazing contractor for the installation detail.
No, we do not offer switchable privacy film. Switchable Privacy Glass is a laminated glass product.
This is a normal characteristic of all Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLC) laminated glass product. When we cut the PDLC interlayer to size it is always undersized by 3mm along each edge – this would typically give you a total 6mm 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.
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 PDLC film within the glass it is important that Switchable Privacy 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 privacy 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.
Switchglass™ has a Visual Light Transmittance of approximately 65% with 4% clarity in its ‘off’ state, and blocks 99% of UV rays.
Yes, but ONLY with other Switchglass™ panels. Fritting can also be applied to the glass to conceal the clear edges of the panel.
Uses
Yes. This combination is the most energy efficient. We also make our double glazed Privacy Glass units using Argon gas in the spaces to minimise the convection currents within, providing a dryer unit.
Yes. We can manufacture Privacy 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.
A variety of coloured glass and/or tinted films may be incorporated into a Privacy Glass panel to achieve a decorative or coloured effect. However, once colour has been applied to the laminate it will always be present and may affect the transparency when in the active, ‘on’ state.
Yes, it can be fitted into your existing window opening, but note that the panel is thicker than a standard glass pane.
Yes, various grades of impact resistant laminates can be included in the manufacture to suit protection needs.
Yes, we can manufacture Privacy Glass with fire-resistant rated glass.
No. The panel may be semi-framed (usually top and bottom as used in operable walls or stackable, sliding doors), or fully framed. As well as providing strong support for the glass panels, the frame also serves to conceal the copper busbars and associated wiring.
Yes. Specifications have to be of the utmost precision for the making of laminated curved glass.
Yes. Switchable Privacy Glass is versatile in its uses. In residential housing this remarkable glass enables you to do without blinds or curtains.
Yes. Should you be wanting to utilise Switchglass™ on the outside of your building where it will be facing long exposure to hot sunlight you must consider a different glass make-up for the panels, i.e. Double Glazed Units (IGUs), with the addition of solar-protective Low Emissivity (Low-E) glass. In this manner, the inner layers that protect the PDLC film will themselves be protected from excessive heat. It is also necessary to ensure that no moisture gets into the glass’ edge as this will cause contamination of the laminates.
Yes. An interesting window design feature can be created by having a window laminated with only a percentage of it covered with Switchable Privacy film, and the balance in clear film. The percentage can be varied to whatever proportion of Switchable Privacy Glass you would like, and even as to how many portions (or strips) you would like.
Yes. Panels can be laminated with a proprietary acoustic interlayer and/or double or triple glazed. As a guide, a standard Switchglass™ 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.
For outdoor use, or where the panels form part of a building’s cladding, it is necessary to ensure that no moisture gets into the glass’ edge as this will cause contamination of the laminates. For situations of harsh sunlight and weather the panels may require a more complex make-up to protect the interlayers.
Yes. Switchglass uses a proprietary magnetic connector system and track system for the activation of Switchable Privacy Glass panels installed as operable walls, sliding or stackable doors or windows.
Switchable Privacy Glass can be used in a shower screen or bathroom situation. The glass panel/panels will need to be completely sealed, the edges impervious to water, and fully framed.
