LC SmartGlass

Operation

SmartGlass is operated by applying 65-110V ac from the power transformer / conditioner supplied.  Generally one transformer is required per switchable area (i.e. on screen containing 10 panels will require 1 transformer is all are required to switch together).  The specification of the transformer will be defined based mainly on the total area of SmartGlass being switched; we will advise and supply the suitable transformer.

When an electrical current is applied to the LC SmartGlass it immediately turns from opaque to clear allowing vision through.  When the current is removed the glass returns to the frosted “private” state.  LC SmartGlass can be operated by wall switch, radio remote, PIR switch, timer, ABX and more.  We can supply and install whichever switching mechanism is best suited to your project.

LC SmartGlass can be installed in much the same was as normal glass with the exception of 2 wires which feed back to the transformer/power conditioner supplied.  The SmartGlass handbook which can be downloaded free from the download section of this website provides more specific detail.

Durability of LC SmartGlass

Test No. Test Item Test Conditions Result
1 Switching On(1sec)  Off(1sec), Passed
110Vac 60 Hz 1 Million Times
2 High Temperature (Boil test) 70°C / 2 Hours Passed
3 High Temp. / Humidity 50°C / 95%RH, 14 Days Passed
4 Low Temperature -20°C / 21Days Passed
5 Heat Cycle -20°C to 50C (1 Mins/Cycle),  5,000Cycles Passed
6 Weathering Standard (For Laminated Glass) Passed
7 Heat Resistance Standard (For Laminated Glass) Passed
8 Water submersed -5°C / 14 Days Passed
Product samples used 10.8mm LC SmartGlass – Mfg 16/09/08 Batch 2242A
Task Check on Chemical resistance acc. DIN EN ISO 12543-4

LC SmartGlass™ Panel Sound Control Data*

LC SmartGlass Thickness Configuration DB Rating
9.2 mm 4 mm / 1.2 / 4 mm 35
11.2 mm 5 mm / 1.2 / 5 mm 37
13.2 mm 6 mm / 1.2 / 6 mm 39
25.2 mm 12 mm / 1.2 / 12 mm 44

Transmission Data

  LC SmartGlass (10.8mm) Clear Float Glass Frosted Glass
  Power ON Power OFF (6mm) (6mm)
Visible Light Transmission 75% 67% 86% 76%
Clarity 76% 4% 83% 18%
UV Transmission 0.5% 0.5% 55% 55%

lc-transmission

Available Shapes for LC SmartGlass

Available Shapes

SmartGlass Installation

While it is relatively straight forward for an experienced glazier to install SmartGlass panels and windows we recommend that our highly experienced design and installation teams be utilised to install your SmartGlass requirements. Our installation team will travel anywhere in the World to ensure that you, the customer achieves 100% satisfaction.

Third party glaziers and electrical contractors installing SmartGlass should contact their local representative to receive a copy of the SmartGlass handbook and to receive on the spot advice.

Warning

  • Do not use a dc voltage with either SPD or LC SmartGlass’. If you use a dc voltage, the SmartGlass will not function properly and the dc voltage may polarize the particles. Initially they will let light through but gradually the particles will migrate toward one end of the cell and cluster or pile on top of each other. This leads to a gradual darkening of the glass. The only way to avoid this unwanted darkening is to use an ac voltage. With an ac voltage, the tendency to migrate toward either end of the cell is neutralized.
  • Only neutral cure non acetic silicone should be used when installing SmartGlass. We can supply the required silicone to ensure the safety and longevity of your purchase.
  • We do not recommend applying Smart film to existing glass units and will not supply for this purpose. There are various reasons for this mainly quality, longevity and performance