Smart Glass Specifications, CAD Details & Drawings for Architects
Specify Smart Glass
Guide specifications, CAD details, technical manuals and drawing notes for architects, engineers and glazing contractors.
Everything you need to put PriWatt switchable glass and smart film into a drawing set and a project manual: a guide specification in CSI 3-part format, detail drawings, electrical rough-in notes and full technical manuals.
Putting smart glass in your drawings
Choose the product
Original (PDLC) is clear when powered and private when off. Reverse (PNLC) is clear when off and private when powered. Film retrofits existing glass; laminated glass is manufactured to your panel sizes.
Add the specification
Switchable privacy glazing is normally specified under Division 08 — Section 08 88 00 (Special Function Glazing) or 08 88 36.16 (Switchable Privacy Glass). Request our editable guide specification and drop it into the project manual.
Detail the opening
Show head, jamb and sill conditions with the glazing pocket, plus the wire exit location at one edge of each panel.
Show the power
On the electrical sheet, locate the transformer and the low-voltage run to each panel, plus the switch, relay or automation tie-in.
Confirm panel sizes
Send us the elevations. We confirm maximum panel size, glass make-up and lead time in writing before your set is issued.
Documents for your set
Guide specification
Editable CSI 3-part guide specification for switchable privacy glazing, Section 08 88 00 / 08 88 36.16, in Word format.
CAD details (DWG & PDF)
Head, jamb, sill and glazing-pocket details with wire exit and transformer location, issued for your project condition.
Revit family
Tell us the panel type and system and we will confirm what BIM content we can supply for your model.
PriWatt Film manual (PDLC)
Full technical manual for switchable smart film — construction, performance, wiring and installation.
PriWatt Glass manual (PDLC)
Technical manual for laminated switchable smart glass panels.
PriWatt Reverse manual (PNLC)
Technical manual for Reverse glass — clear when the power is off, private when powered.
Guide specifications, CAD details and BIM content are issued per project so the dimensions, glass make-up and electrical notes match your actual condition. Send drawings to our team and we return them the same week.
Detailing notes
Glass make-up
The switchable layer is laminated between glass. Film can also be applied to existing glazing as a retrofit. Confirm the make-up with us before you note it on the drawing.
Wire exit
Each panel carries a low-voltage lead at one edge. Show the exit location and a concealed route into the frame, ceiling or floor cavity.
Transformer location
Locate the transformer in an accessible, ventilated position — ceiling void, cabinet or electrical closet — and show the run to each panel.
Panel sizes and tolerances
Maximum panel size depends on product and make-up. We confirm sizes, tolerances and edge clearance for your elevations in writing.
Controls
Wall switch, remote, mobile app, occupancy sensor, or integration with building and home automation. Note the chosen control on the drawing so the electrician provisions for it.
Interior vs exterior
Most switchable glazing is specified for interior partitions and doors. Talk to us before specifying an exterior or IGU condition so the build-up is correct.
Electrical rough-in
PriWatt runs on low voltage through a transformer — 48–55 VAC, drawing under 0.5 watt per square foot while powered and nothing when off. Panels switch in under 45 milliseconds. A licensed electrician brings power to the transformer location; we take it from the transformer to the glass.
Performance data
| Property | Original — PDLC | Reverse — PNLC |
|---|---|---|
| State with power off | Opaque — private | Clear — 91% visible light, 2.4% haze |
| State with power on | Transparent — clear | Private — 94% haze |
| If power fails | The glass goes private | The glass stays clear |
| Typical use | Residential and exterior, maximum privacy | Office space — less haze, slightly less private |
| Supply | 48–55 VAC through a transformer | |
| Power draw | Under 0.5 watt per square foot while powered | |
| Switching time | Under 45 milliseconds | |
| UV blocking | Over 98% | |
| Film thickness | 0.4 mm | |
| Colour options | White, grey or tinted | White |
| Service life | Over 15 years and 2 million switching cycles | |
Project-specific values — U-value, STC, maximum panel size for a given make-up — are confirmed in writing for your submittal.
Specifier questions
Which CSI section does this belong in?
Division 08. Switchable privacy glazing is commonly specified under Section 08 88 00, Special Function Glazing, or 08 88 36.16, Switchable Privacy Glass. Our guide specification is written in 3-part format so it can be edited by deletion.
Is it a laminate or an insulating unit?
The switchable layer is laminated between glass. It can also be built into an insulating unit, or applied as film to glass that is already installed. Confirm the build-up with us before it goes on the drawing.
Can it go in a curtain wall or an exterior facade?
Exterior and facade conditions need to be reviewed case by case for build-up, edge seal and heat load. Send us the section and we will tell you what is buildable.
What does the electrician need from me?
Show the transformer location, the low-voltage run to each panel, and the control device. Voltage is 48–55 VAC through a transformer at under 0.5 watt per square foot.
What does the glazier need?
Panel schedule with wire-exit edge, glazing pocket depth and a concealed route for the lead. Our own crews can carry out the installation instead — see installation.
What happens on power loss?
Original (PDLC) goes private. Reverse (PNLC) stays clear. Choose based on which failure state the space needs — that decision belongs in the spec.
What is the lead time?
Film retrofits can run about two weeks from order to installation. Laminated panels take longer because each one is manufactured to your dimensions. We confirm lead time with the quote.
Do you review drawings before issue?
Yes. Send the elevations, sections and glass schedule and we will mark up panel sizes, wire exits and transformer locations at no cost.
Send us your drawings for a spec review
Share your elevations, sections or glass schedule and our technical team will return marked-up notes, panel sizes and the guide specification.