Chris Busby
Apr 11, 2025
Technical Documentation for Architects, Designers & Property Managers
This comprehensive technical resource is designed for commercial property professionals considering smart window film implementation. While many professionals search for "smart glass specifications," this document details the technical aspects of smart window film—an advanced, cost-effective alternative that provides comparable functionality without requiring glass replacement.
Product Classification & Compliance
Product Category
Technology Type: Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) Film
Application Classification: Retrofit Electronic Glazing Enhancement
Installation Method: Adhesive Application to Existing Glass
Regulatory Compliance
UL Certification: UL 94 V-0 (Flammability Rating)
RoHS Compliance: Yes - Free from restricted hazardous substances
Fire Safety Rating: ASTM E84 Class A
ANSI Z97.1: Safety Glazing Compliance When Applied to Rated Glass
CPSC 16 CFR 1201: Category II Safety Glazing Compliance
Industry Certifications
LEED Contribution: Eligible for Innovation and Energy Performance credits
Energy Star: Compatible with Energy Star rated window systems
Living Building Challenge: Red List Free Material
Technical Specifications
Film Construction
Composition
Film Thickness: 0.38mm (0.015")
Layer Structure: 5-layer composite:
Protective Outer Layer (0.05mm)
Hard Coat Layer (0.03mm)
PDLC Active Matrix Layer (0.22mm)
Adhesive Layer (0.06mm)
Release Liner (0.02mm, removed during installation)
Electrical Properties
Operating Voltage: 65V AC
Power Consumption:
Active State: 5-7 W/m²
Standby State: <0.5 W/m²
Electrical Connection: 18-gauge dual conductor
Transformer Specifications: Input 110-240V, Output 65V AC
Wiring Requirements: Low-voltage wiring pathway to control location
Conduit Requirements: 1/2" minimum for primary wiring runs
Performance Specifications
Optical Properties
Visible Light Transmission:
ON State (Transparent): 75-80%
OFF State (Opaque): <10%
Haze Factor:
ON State: <5%
OFF State: >90%
UV Rejection: >99% (300-380nm spectrum)
Infrared Rejection: 70-85% (780-2500nm spectrum)
Environmental Performance
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: 0.45 - 0.57
U-Value Improvement: 10-15% when applied to standard glazing
Light to Solar Gain Ratio: 1.3 - 1.5
Potential Energy Reduction: 15-30% cooling load reduction (climate dependent)
Operational Specifications
Switching Time:
OFF to ON (Transparent): <1 second
ON to OFF (Opaque): <1 second
Operational Modes: On/Off and Dimming (with compatible controller)
Cycle Life: >3 million switching cycles
Control Options:
Manual Switch
Timer Control
Building Management System (BMS) Integration
Automation System Integration
Mobile Application Control (optional)
Voice Control (with compatible systems)
Physical Properties
Temperature Range:
Operating: -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
Storage: -30°C to 80°C (-22°F to 176°F)
Humidity Tolerance: 5-95% RH (non-condensing)
Maximum Size: 60" × 120" single panel (custom sizes available)
Minimum Size: 4" × 4"
Shape Capability: Custom shapes and cutouts supported
Curvature Tolerance: Minimum 12" radius for curved applications
Durability & Longevity
Warranty Information
Commercial Product Warranty: 5 Years Standard
Extended Warranty: Available up to 10 Years
Electrical Component Warranty: 3 Years Standard
Durability Testing Results
Accelerated Weathering: ASTM G155, 3,000 hours with minimal degradation
Salt Spray Resistance: ASTM B117, 1,000 hours
Abrasion Resistance: ASTM D1044, 100 cycles with <3% change in haze
Adhesion Durability: ASTM D3330, >1,000 g/in peel strength
Impact Resistance: Meets ANSI Z97.1 when applied to compliant glass
Expected Lifespan
Film Functional Lifespan: 10-15 years with proper maintenance
Electrical Components: 8-12 years average
Color Stability: <2 Delta E color shift over 10 years
Installation Specifications
Substrate Requirements
Compatible Glass Types:
Tempered Glass (preferred)
Laminated Glass
Insulated Glass Units (exterior film application)
Low-E Glass (requires compatibility testing)
Glass Thickness: 3mm minimum
Surface Condition Requirements:
Clean, smooth, defect-free surface
Free from existing films or coatings
pH neutral surface chemistry
Installation Environment
Facility Requirements:
Dust-controlled environment during installation
Stable temperature: 15-30°C (59-86°F)
Humidity: 30-60% RH
Clean, uninterrupted power source
Cure Time:
Initial Set: 24 hours
Full Adhesion: 7 days
Full Performance Evaluation: After 30 days
Integration Requirements
Electrical Integration
Power Supply Location: Within 15 feet of installation or as specified
Control System Access: Required at time of installation
Wiring Pathway: Minimum 1/2" diameter conduit or cable pathway
Junction Box Specifications: 4"×4" box with single-gang reducer
Circuit Requirements: Dedicated 5A circuit recommended for large installations
Building Management Integration
Supported Protocols:
BACnet
Modbus
KNX
Crestron
Lutron
Control4
Savant
Custom API integration available
Automation Capabilities
Scheduling: Time-based transparency control
Sensor Integration: Light, occupancy, temperature sensors
Scene Programming: Preset opacity configurations
Security Integration: Lockdown privacy mode
Energy Management: Solar load responsive adjustments
Maintenance Specifications
Cleaning Protocol
Recommended Cleaning Solution: Mild, non-abrasive, ammonia-free cleaner
Cleaning Tools: Microfiber cloth or non-abrasive soft sponge
Cleaning Frequency: As needed, typically 3-4 times per year
Cleaning Precautions:
No abrasive materials
No acidic or strongly alkaline cleaners
No excessive pressure
Maintenance Schedule
Electrical Inspection: Annual
Control System Updates: As available
Adhesive Edge Inspection: Annual
Performance Verification: Annual
Repair Options
Panel Replacement: Individual panels can be replaced
Edge Sealing Refresh: Available after 5 years
Control System Upgrade: Available as technology advances
Circuit Testing: Available as maintenance service
Design Integration
Architectural Considerations
Framing Compatibility: Compatible with most commercial framing systems
Edge Detail Requirements: 1/8" minimum clearance from gaskets or stops
Mullion Interaction: Gap or overlapping installation options
Expansion/Contraction Allowance: 0.5% dimensional change tolerance
Aesthetic Options
Tint Options: Clear, Light Gray, Bronze, Blue (availability varies)
Finish Options: Matte or Glossy
Customization: Logo or pattern embedding available
Transparency Range: Custom settings for intermediate opacity (with dimming controller)
Space Planning Considerations
Privacy Levels: Complete or partial opacity zoning
Control Placement: Switch, touch panel, or hidden control options
Transformer Location: Within 15 feet of installation or custom specification
Weight Addition: 0.5 lbs/sq ft added to glazing system
Performance Enhancement Options
Energy Performance Packages
Solar Film Combination: Dual-layer application with solar control film
Low-E Compatibility: Specific products for low-E glass coordination
Thermal Break Enhancement: Edge sealing system for improved insulation
HVAC Integration: Responsive opacity based on thermal load
Acoustic Enhancement
Sound Attenuation: 2-4 dB improvement when properly installed
Acoustic Rating: STC improvement of 1-3 points on typical glazing
Security Enhancement
Security Film Combination: Available with security film underlayment
Alarm Integration: Unauthorized access notification capability
Access Control Integration: Occupancy-based privacy control
Breakage Sensors: Compatible with glass break detection systems
Commercial Applications Guidance
Office Environments
Conference Rooms: Privacy during meetings, presentation mode
Executive Offices: On-demand privacy, glare control
Open Office Dividers: Space delineation, collaboration control
Reception Areas: Welcome messaging, branding opportunities
Healthcare Facilities
Patient Rooms: HIPAA compliance, patient dignity
Consultation Spaces: Confidential discussions
Treatment Areas: Privacy with staff visibility options
Waiting Areas: Visual comfort, solar control
Hospitality Applications
Meeting Spaces: Multi-purpose room configuration
Guest Room Partitions: Bathroom privacy, room division
Lobby Features: Decorative architectural elements
Restaurant Partitions: Dynamic space division
Educational Institutions
Classroom Privacy: Security protocols, distraction reduction
Administrative Offices: Confidential meeting spaces
Collaborative Spaces: Convertible privacy options
Lecture Halls: Presentation environment optimization
Project Implementation
Specification Process
Initial Consultation: Site assessment and needs analysis
Technical Survey: Detailed measurements and electrical review
Sample Presentation: On-site demonstration of technology
Custom Specification: Project-specific documentation
Integration Planning: Coordination with other building systems
Procurement Timeline
Lead Time: 2-4 weeks for standard installations
Custom Projects: 4-8 weeks
International Sourcing: 6-10 weeks
Installation Timeline
Pre-Installation Prep: 1-2 days
Installation Rate: 100-200 sq ft per day per crew
Post-Installation Testing: 1 day
Client Training: 2-4 hours
Quality Assurance
Pre-Installation Testing: 100% of electrical components bench tested
Post-Installation Inspection: Complete surface and operation verification
30-Day Performance Review: Scheduled follow-up assessment
Annual Performance Review: Recommended maintenance protocol
Contact Information
For technical consultations, please contact our Commercial Projects Division:
Commercial Technical Support: (512) 555-0189
Email: commercial@rapidglassatx.com
Technical Resources: [website URL]
Sample Requests: Available through authorized representatives
This technical specification document is provided for informational purposes only. Specific project requirements may necessitate adjustments to these specifications. Please consult with a Rapid Glass ATX technical representative for project-specific guidance.
Document Version: April 2025
