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Prioritizing Safety in Education with Smart Glass Solutions

Safety in Education has become a paramount concern for institutions across North America. As schools seek innovative methods to protect students and staff, Smart Glass Technologies offers a cutting-edge solutions: PriWatt™ Glass & Film. This switchable glass technology provides instant privacy and reinforces security measures without compromising natural light or aesthetics.

Northstar Early Learning Academy – Bedford, MA

In January 2025, Smart Glass Technologies collaborated with Dellbrook JKS to install 1,000 square feet of PriWatt™ Film on the exterior windows of Northstar Early Learning Academy in Bedford, Massachusetts. This installation aimed to create a secure and private environment of safety in education for young learners and staff.

The switchable film allows windows to transition from transparent to opaque with the flip of a switch, offering immediate privacy when needed. Beyond privacy, the film enhances safety in education by holding shattered glass together in case of breakage, reducing the risk of injury and unauthorized entry.

Public School – El Paso, TX

In March 2023, a public school in El Paso, Texas, integrated 260 square feet of PriWatt™ Film on its exterior doors and windows. This initiative addressed growing concerns over school security and safety in education by providing a rapid-response solution during emergencies.

The remotely controlled film enables staff to obscure visibility instantly, protecting students and teachers during critical situations. Additionally, the film’s ability to maintain glass integrity upon impact adds an extra layer of defense against potential threats, further enhancing safety in education institutions.

Advantages of Smart Glass in Educational Settings

Implementing smart glass technology in schools and childcare facilities offers numerous benefits:

  • Immediate Privacy Control: Switch between clear and opaque states instantly to manage visibility as situations demand.
  • Enhanced Security: Reinforces glass to prevent shattering, deterring forced entry and minimizing injury risks.
  • Hygienic and Low Maintenance: Eliminates the need for curtains or blinds, reducing dust accumulation and cleaning requirements.
  • Cost-Effective Installation: Easily retrofitted onto existing windows and doors without extensive renovations.

As demonstrated by the installations at Northstar Early Learning Academy and the El Paso public school, PriWatt™ Film by Smart Glass Technologies is revolutionizing the approach to safety in education. By combining privacy, security, and functionality, smart glass solutions are setting new standards for protecting educational environments.

Interested in enhancing the safety and privacy of your educational facility? Contact us for pricing or call 786-472-6712.

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Choose your glass

Glass Original (PDLC) vs. Glass Reverse (PNLC)

Both are laminated switchable glass panels that change between clear and private. The difference is what the glass does when the power is off — and that decides which one fits your space.

Most popular

Glass Original — PDLC

Clear when the power is on, private when the power is off.

  • Power onClear — 83% visible light, 3% haze
  • Power offPrivate — still lets 73% of daylight in
  • If power failsThe glass goes private
  • Best forResidential, exterior, maximum privacy
  • Energy usePowered while you want the glass clear
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Reverse switching

Glass Reverse — PNLC

Clear when the power is off, private when the power is on.

  • Power offClear — 91% visible light, 2.4% haze
  • Power onPrivate — 94% haze
  • If power failsThe glass stays clear
  • Best forOffice space — less haze, slightly less private
  • Energy usePowered only while you want privacy
Talk to a project manager

Technical data

PriWatt™ Glass at a glance

Laminated switchable glass, custom manufactured for each project. Key figures below; the manual carries the full specification, glazing details and wiring.

Power offOpaque / private95% haze, 73% light transmittance.
Power onTransparent / clear83% light transmittance, 3% haze.
Glass buildLaminated safety glassLow iron, heat strengthened or tempered.
Thickness3/8″, 1/2″ or 9/16″Other thicknesses on request. About 5 lbs per sq. ft.
Color optionsWhite or light grayAny shape, curved panels, holes and cut-outs.
Maximum panel size70″ × 144″70″ × 126″ at 1/2″ thickness.
Working voltage48–55 VACLow voltage through a supplied transformer.
Power consumptionUnder 0.5 W per sq. ft.Only while the glass is powered.
Switching speedUnder 45 millisecondsUnder 10 ms back to private.
UV blockingOver 98%100% when the glass is off.
Sound reductionSTC ~ 40Laminated interlayer dampens noise.
Rated lifecycleOver 15 yearsRated for 2 million switching cycles.
Smart Glass Technologies
Technical information
and installation guide
PRIWATTPDLC GLASS
WWW.SMARTGLASSTECH.US

PriWatt™ Glass Technical Manual

Full technical data, glazing and installation guide, wiring and control options.

Download the manual (PDF)

FAQ

Smart Glass Questions

What is PriWatt™ Smart Glass made of?

It is laminated architectural glass with a PDLC liquid crystal film bonded inside the lamination. It is manufactured as a finished safety glass panel, in low iron, heat strengthened or tempered builds.

What happens when the power goes off?

Glass Original turns private when the power is off and still lets about 73% of daylight into the room. Glass Reverse does the opposite and stays clear when unpowered.

How fast does it switch?

Under 45 milliseconds from private to clear and under 10 milliseconds from clear to private, so the change looks instant.

Does privacy mode block the view completely?

In privacy mode haze reaches 95%, so people and shapes cannot be made out while natural light still comes through. It is a privacy product, not a blackout blind.

How large can a panel be?

Up to 70″ × 144″ at 9/16″ thickness and 70″ × 126″ at 1/2″. Larger areas are built from several panels, and curved shapes, holes and cut-outs are possible.

Can it be used outside and in doors?

Yes. For exterior use the panels are built into insulated glass units, and doors are glazed with the wiring routed through the frame or hinge. The wiring route has to be planned before manufacturing.

Who installs it?

A certified glazier installs the glass and a certified electrician makes the power connection. Our project managers handle measurements, manufacturing and coordination.

How long does it last and what is covered?

The glass is rated for 2 million switching cycles and a life cycle over 15 years, and it comes with a limited warranty. Working temperature range is -22°F to 122°F.

Request pricing

Choose your glass

Glass Reverse (PNLC) vs. Glass Original (PDLC)

Both are laminated switchable glass panels that change between clear and private. The difference is what the glass does when the power is off — and that decides which one fits your space.

Reverse switching

Glass Reverse — PNLC

Clear when the power is off, private when the power is on.

  • Power offClear — 91% visible light, 2.4% haze
  • Power onPrivate — 94% haze
  • If power failsThe glass stays clear
  • Best forOffice space — less haze, slightly less private
  • Energy usePowered only while you want privacy
Request pricing
Most popular

Glass Original — PDLC

Clear when the power is on, private when the power is off.

  • Power onClear — 83% visible light, 3% haze
  • Power offPrivate — still lets 73% of daylight in
  • If power failsThe glass goes private
  • Best forResidential, exterior, maximum privacy
  • Energy usePowered while you want the glass clear
Explore Glass Original

Technical data

PriWatt™ Reverse Glass at a glance

Laminated reverse-switching glass, custom manufactured for each project. Key figures are taken from the PriWatt PNLC technical manual, which also covers glazing details and wiring guidance.

Power offTransparent / clear91% visible light transmission, 2.4% haze.
Power onOpaque / private94% haze for full privacy on demand.
Color optionsWhiteReverse glass is produced in white only.
Glass buildLow-iron laminated glassHeat treated or fully tempered, ~5 lbs per sq. ft.
Working voltage25–80 VAC, 50/60 HzLow voltage through a supplied transformer.
Power consumptionUnder 0.5 W per sq. ft.Only while privacy mode is powered.
Switching speedUnder 200 ms to privateReturns to clear in under 10 milliseconds.
UV blocking99% (365–380 nm)Helps protect interiors from ultraviolet light.
Solar / IR block98% IR when powered20% IR blocking in the clear state.
Panel thickness3/8", 1/2" or 9/16"Maximum panel size 57" x 130".
AcousticsSTC ~37Laminated build helps reduce sound transfer.
Rated lifecycleOver 800,000 switching cyclesOperating range -10°C to 60°C.
Smart Glass Technologies
Technical information
and installation guide
PRIWATTPNLC GLASS
WWW.SMARTGLASSTECH.US

PriWatt™ PNLC Glass Technical Manual

Full technical data, glazing and installation guide, wiring and control options.

Download the manual (PDF)

FAQ

Reverse Smart Glass Questions

What makes Reverse Glass different?

Reverse Glass uses PNLC technology, so it is clear when power is off and turns opaque when power is on. Standard PDLC glass works in the opposite way.

Is Reverse Glass a good choice for offices?

Yes. It is ideal for meeting rooms and interior partitions where glass normally stays clear and privacy is needed only at selected times.

Does it provide privacy during a power outage?

No. Reverse Glass becomes clear when power is off. For fail-private applications, standard PDLC glass is usually the better choice.

How quickly does it switch?

The glass turns private in under 200 milliseconds and returns to clear in under 10 milliseconds.

Is it energy efficient?

Yes. It runs on 25–80 VAC low voltage and consumes less than 0.5 watts per square foot while powered — and it needs no power at all to stay clear.

Can it be used in doors and partitions?

Yes. The laminated construction makes it suitable for interior doors, office partitions, conference rooms and other architectural glazing applications.

What colors are available?

Reverse Glass is available in white only. Grey and tinted options are offered on standard PDLC glass.

Where can I find installation information?

The technical manual above includes handling, electrical and installation guidance. A qualified glazing professional should complete installation.

Request pricing

Choose your film

Film Original (PDLC) vs. Film Reverse (PNLC)

Both films switch between clear and private. The difference is what happens when the power is off — and that decides which one fits your space.

Most popular

Film Original — PDLC

Clear when the power is on, private when the power is off.

  • Power onClear — 88% visible light, 3% haze
  • Power offPrivate — still lets 73% of daylight in
  • If power failsThe glass goes private
  • Best forResidential, exterior, maximum privacy
  • Energy usePowered while you want the glass clear
Request pricing
Reverse switching

Film Reverse — PNLC

Clear when the power is off, private when the power is on.

  • Power offClear — 91% visible light, 2.4% haze
  • Power onPrivate — 94% haze
  • If power failsThe glass stays clear
  • Best forOffice space — less haze, slightly less private
  • Energy usePowered only while you want privacy
See Reverse

Not sure which one fits? Call 786-460-6762 and a project manager will help you decide.

Technical data

PriWatt™ Film at a glance

Professional-grade switchable film engineered for instant privacy, high light transmission and low-voltage operation.

Power offOpaque / privatePrivacy is the default state.
Power onTransparent / clear88% visible light transmission.
Color optionsWhite, grey or tintedSelect the finish for your design.
Low voltage48–55 VACLess than 0.5 W per sq. ft.
Switching speedUnder 45 millisecondsPrivacy changes appear instant.
UV protectionMore than 98%In both clear and private states.
Film thickness0.4 mmApplies directly to existing glass.
Rated lifecycleOver 15 yearsRated for 2 million switching cycles.
Smart Glass Technologies
Technical information
and installation guide
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WWW.SMARTGLASSTECH.US

PriWatt™ Film Technical Manual

Full technical data, installation guide, wiring and control options.

Download the manual (PDF)

FAQ

Smart Film Questions

Can Smart Film be applied to glass I already have?

Yes. PriWatt™ film is a self-adhesive PDLC film applied directly to existing interior or exterior glass, windows and doors, so the glass does not have to be replaced.

What happens when the power goes off?

Film Original turns private when the power is off and still lets about 73% of daylight into the room. Film Reverse does the opposite and stays clear when unpowered.

How fast does it switch?

Under 45 milliseconds from private to clear and under 10 milliseconds from clear to private, so the change looks instant.

Does privacy mode block the view completely?

In privacy mode haze reaches 95%, so people and shapes cannot be made out while natural light still comes through. It is a privacy product, not a blackout blind.

Can I install it myself?

We do not recommend it. Our certified installers inspect the project, take precise measurements and apply the film, and a certified electrician makes the power connection. Busbar positions and wiring have to be planned before manufacturing.

How do I clean it?

Switch the film off, wipe with a soft cloth and 99% isopropyl alcohol, and make sure no liquid is left sitting on the edges.

How is it controlled?

With a wall switch, a remote, a smartphone, or through Alexa and Google Home. Panels can be grouped and scheduled.

How long does it last and what is covered?

The film is rated for 2 million switching cycles and a life cycle over 15 years, and it comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

Request pricing

Choose your film

Film Reverse (PNLC) vs. Film Original (PDLC)

Both films switch between clear and private. The difference is what happens when the power is off — and that decides which one fits your space.

Reverse switching

Film Reverse — PNLC

Clear when the power is off, private when the power is on.

  • Power offClear — 91% visible light, 2.4% haze
  • Power onPrivate — 94% haze
  • If power failsThe glass stays clear
  • Best forOffice space — less haze, slightly less private
  • Energy usePowered only while you want privacy
Request pricing
Most popular

Film Original — PDLC

Clear when the power is on, private when the power is off.

  • Power onClear — 88% visible light, 3% haze
  • Power offPrivate — still lets 73% of daylight in
  • If power failsThe glass goes private
  • Best forResidential, exterior, maximum privacy
  • Energy usePowered while you want the glass clear
See Film Original

Not sure which one fits? Call 786-460-6762 and a project manager will help you decide.

Technical data

PriWatt™ PNLC at a glance

Reverse switchable technology that stays clear without power and turns private only while it is switched on.

Power offClear / transparent91% visible light, 2.4% haze.
Power onPrivate94% haze in private mode.
Color optionsWhiteReverse is available in white only.
Low voltage25–80 VACLess than 0.5 W per sq. ft.
Switching speedUnder 200 millisecondsUnder 10 milliseconds back to clear.
UV protection99%In both clear and private states.
Energy useOnly while privateNo power needed to stay clear.
Operating range−10°C to 60°CRated for over 800,000 switching cycles.
Smart Glass Technologies
Technical information
and installation guide
PRIWATTPNLC REVERSE
WWW.SMARTGLASSTECH.US

PriWatt™ PNLC Technical Manual

Full technical data, installation guide, wiring and control options.

Download the manual (PDF)

FAQ

Smart Film Reverse Questions

What makes Film Reverse different?

Film Reverse (PNLC) is clear when the power is off and turns private only while it is switched on, the opposite of Film Original (PDLC).

What happens when the power goes off?

The glass stays clear, so the space keeps its view and daylight during a power outage.

Can it be applied to glass I already have?

Yes. PriWatt™ film is a self-adhesive film applied directly to existing interior glass, windows and doors, so the glass does not have to be replaced.

How fast does it switch?

Under 200 milliseconds from clear to private and under 10 milliseconds back to clear, so the change looks instant.

Does privacy mode block the view completely?

In privacy mode haze reaches 94%, so people and shapes cannot be made out while natural light still comes through. It is a privacy product, not a blackout blind.

What colors are available?

Film Reverse is available in white only.

How is it controlled?

With a wall switch, a remote, a smartphone, or through Alexa and Google Home. Panels can be grouped and scheduled.

Can I install it myself?

We do not recommend it. Our certified installers measure and apply the film, and a certified electrician makes the power connection. Busbar positions and wiring have to be planned before manufacturing.

Request pricing