Specify the film grade, electrical system and delivery route together
Compare PriviFilm product families and review glass compatibility, matched transformer requirements, controls, BMS integration, optical performance and installation considerations before the project is committed.
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Forti Nova technical support for architects, specifiers, contractors and FM teams
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PriviFilm™ PDLC Smart Film — Technical Specifications
Manufacturer data for PriviFilm™ switchable smart film. All specifications are sourced from PriviTechnologies manufacturer documentation.
Forti Nova technical reference compiled from manufacturer documentation. Specifications vary by product grade and film configuration. Contact the Forti Nova technical desk for the current PriviFilm data sheet and written project terms.
PDLC smart film product-family comparison
A clean, searchable version of the manufacturer comparison data supplied to Forti Nova. It shows why “smart film” is not one universal product: voltage, thickness, powered state, clarity, haze, colour and intended application vary by grade.
Shared reference figures
- Switching
- Under 1 second
- Frequency
- 50–60Hz
- Supplier lifetime figure
- >100,000 operating hours
- Sunlight resistant
- Listed “Yes” across range
EPEP Smart FilmSpecialist blue privacy effect
- Working voltage
- 110V
- Thickness
- 0.55mm
- Operating state
- Clear when powered · dark blue when off
- Available colour
- Dark blue
- Visible transmission
- 60%
- Haze
- 4%
- View angle
- ≈165°
- Power consumption
- 2–5W/m²
- Operating temperature
- −20°C to +80°C
- Projection capable
- No
PNLCReverse PDLC FilmReverse switching applications
- Working voltage
- 60V
- Thickness
- 0.26mm
- Operating state
- Opaque when powered · clear when off
- Available colour
- Milky white
- Visible transmission
- 85% when off
- Haze
- 5% when off
- View angle
- ≈165°
- Power consumption
- 3.7W/m²
- Operating temperature
- −20°C to +60°C
- Projection capable
- No
AUTOAutomotive PDLC FilmAutomotive and specialist glazing
- Working voltage
- 65V
- Thickness
- 0.12mm
- Operating state
- Transparent when powered · opaque when off
- Available colour
- Milky white or grey
- Visible transmission
- 91% / 50%
- Haze
- 2 ± 0.5%
- View angle
- ≈165°
- Power consumption
- Approx. 3.7W/m²
- Operating temperature
- −20°C to +80°C
- Projection capable
- Yes
UHDUltra High Definition PDLCHighest clarity and lowest listed haze
- Working voltage
- 65V
- Thickness
- 0.38mm
- Operating state
- Transparent when powered · opaque when off
- Available colour
- Milky white
- Visible transmission
- 95%
- Haze
- 1.8 ± 0.5%
- View angle
- ≈165°
- Power consumption
- Approx. 3.7W/m²
- Operating temperature
- −20°C to +80°C
- Projection capable
- Yes
UHTUltra High Transparent PDLCHigh-transmission privacy glazing
- Working voltage
- 65V
- Thickness
- 0.38mm
- Operating state
- Transparent when powered · opaque when off
- Available colour
- Milky white
- Visible transmission
- 93%
- Haze
- 2 ± 0.5%
- View angle
- ≈150°
- Power consumption
- Approx. 3.7W/m²
- Operating temperature
- −20°C to +80°C
- Projection capable
- Yes
HDHigh Definition PDLCGeneral high-definition privacy film
- Working voltage
- 65V
- Thickness
- 0.38mm
- Operating state
- Transparent when powered · opaque when off
- Available colour
- Milky white
- Visible transmission
- 91%
- Haze
- 2.5 ± 0.5%
- View angle
- ≈145°
- Power consumption
- Approx. 3.7W/m²
- Operating temperature
- −20°C to +80°C
- Projection capable
- Yes
COLOURColour PDLC FilmDark grey or black privacy effects
- Working voltage
- 65V
- Thickness
- 0.38mm
- Operating state
- Transparent when powered · opaque when off
- Available colour
- Dark grey or black
- Visible transmission
- 45% / 25%
- Haze
- 3 ± 0.5%
- View angle
- ≈145°
- Power consumption
- Approx. 3.7W/m²
- Operating temperature
- −20°C to +80°C
- Projection capable
- Yes
Technical reference, not a universal promise. The >100,000-hour figure is an operating-life statement from the supplied manufacturer comparison—not a 20-year warranty. Availability, exact values, transformer, controls and warranty must be confirmed in Forti Nova’s written quotation for the selected PriviFilm grade.
Smart Film Glass Substrate Compatibility — What Works & What to Pre-Assess
Not all glass is equally suitable for PDLC smart film application. This table provides a guide to compatibility. A site survey by an approved partner is always recommended prior to specification.
| Glass Type | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Glazing (4mm+) | ✓ Compatible | Standard application — film applied to interior face |
| Double Glazing | ✓ Compatible | Applied to inner face of outer pane or inner pane depending on configuration |
| Laminated Glass | ✓ Compatible | Compatible — pre-assessment recommended for older laminated units |
| Toughened/Tempered Glass | ✓ Compatible | Compatible — pre-assessment recommended |
| Curved Glass | ⚠ Pre-Assess | Case-by-case — moderate curves may be possible |
| Patterned / Obscured Glass | ✗ Not Suitable | Not suitable — surface texture prevents adhesion |
| Mirror Glass | ✗ Not Suitable | Not suitable |
| Self-Cleaning Glass | ⚠ Pre-Assess | Coating may prevent adhesion — pre-assessment required |
| Fire-Rated Glazing | ⚠ Pre-Assess | Film does not add fire rating — underlying glass must meet required fire rating independently |
Smart Film Electrical Specification — Transformer, Supply & Wiring
PDLC film voltage is grade-specific. The manufacturer family reference includes 60V, 65V and specialist 110V products. Forti Nova supplies the matched transformer for the selected film; the transformer connects to the project’s 230V AC mains supply through the appropriate electrical route.
Transformer specification: The transformer output capacity is matched to the film area. Each square metre of film requires a transformer capable of supplying 5VA (volt-amperes). A 10m² installation requires approximately a 50VA transformer. Transformers are typically positioned within 2–3 metres of the film installation, within a cupboard, ceiling void, or surface-mounted enclosure.
Wiring: Standard 2-core cable connects the transformer to the film. Cable is routed discreetly through walls, frames, or trunking. For glazed partitions, cable entry points are typically through the frame or sill. Our approved partners manage all electrical design and installation — a separate electrician is not required for straightforward installations, though may be needed for new circuit provision on large commercial projects.
Smart Film Control Options — From Wall Switch to BMS & KNX Integration
PriviFilm™ supports a full range of control configurations — from a simple wall switch to full building management system integration. Select the control method that matches your project requirements.
Standard Wall Switch
Simple on/off toggle. Most cost-effective solution for single rooms or basic installations. Operates on standard wiring.
Best for: Single rooms, bathrooms, meeting rooms
Remote Control
Handheld or wall-mounted RF remote for wireless switching. No additional wiring beyond the transformer.
Best for: Residential, small commercial
Smart Home / App Control
Compatible with most smart home platforms via appropriate controller modules. Enables smartphone, voice, and automation control.
Best for: Residential, boutique hospitality, smart offices
BMS Integration
Integration with Building Management Systems via dry contact, 0-10V, or RS485 interfaces. Enables zone control, scheduling, and centralised management.
Best for: Commercial offices, NHS trusts, large facilities
KNX Integration
Full KNX-compatible controllers available. Integrates with KNX building automation for lighting, HVAC, and privacy coordination.
Best for: High-specification commercial and hospitality
Crestron / AMX Integration
Compatible with Crestron and AMX AV control systems via relay or direct interface. Common in boardrooms, conference centres, and auditoriums.
Best for: Boardrooms, conference suites, auditoriums
Motion Sensor / Occupancy
Automated switching based on room occupancy. Film can be set to activate on entry or timed to switch after occupancy is detected.
Best for: Meeting rooms, consultation rooms
Room Booking Integration
Synchronises with room booking platforms — automatically switching to privacy mode when a meeting is booked and clear when the room is vacant.
Best for: Corporate offices, hotel meeting rooms
Things to Consider When Specifying Smart Film
A specification checklist for architects, designers, and FM teams scoping a smart film installation.
Glass Condition & Cleanliness
The glass surface must be thoroughly cleaned prior to film application. Contamination, adhesive residue from previous films, paint splatter, or silicone build-up can affect adhesion. A site survey by the approved partner will identify any surface preparation requirements.
Electrical Supply Route
The film grade determines the required transformer output; the matched transformer connects to a standard 230V AC mains supply. Transformer location, access, cable routing, isolation and control requirements must be coordinated before installation. Final mains work must be completed by an appropriately qualified electrician.
Switching Zones & Control Layout
Each separately controllable zone requires its own controller and wiring. For a multi-room office with independent privacy control per room, each room constitutes a separate zone. Group switching (all meeting rooms from a single switch) is also possible.
Glass Dimensions & Cutting
PriviFilm™ is cut in-house to project-specific dimensions. Maximum single-piece width is typically limited by roll width — larger glass areas may require multiple pieces with a near-invisible join. This is assessed during the quoting process.
Environmental Conditions
Operating temperature range is -10°C to +60°C. In extreme environments (cold stores, industrial spaces with high heat), pre-assessment is required. Standard commercial and residential environments are universally suitable.
Integration Lead Time
Simple wall switch installations can proceed quickly. BMS, KNX, or Crestron integration may require coordination with the building controls contractor and should be scoped at the project planning stage to avoid delays.
When Smart Film May Not Be The Right Solution
Smart film is the correct specification for most privacy glazing applications — but there are scenarios where alternative solutions should be considered.
Blackout required
Smart film does not black out — it produces a bright white opacity when unpowered. If complete light exclusion is required (cinema rooms, photography studios, sleep environments), smart film should be combined with blackout curtains or blinds.
Variable tinting needed (not full privacy)
PDLC film switches between clear and opaque — it does not offer variable tint levels. If the requirement is light control without full privacy (atrium roofs, skylights, sunrooms), SPD (Suspended Particle Device) or electrochromic tinting may be more appropriate.
Curved or textured glass
Smart film is a flat substrate and cannot conform to curved, bent, or textured glass surfaces. For curved glazing, factory-laminated smart glass or alternative privacy solutions are required.
No electrical supply practical
Smart film requires a permanent low-voltage electrical connection. In listed buildings, conservation areas, or heritage properties where running new electrical circuits is prohibited or impractical, static privacy solutions (frosted film, manifestations) may be the only viable option.
Budget-constrained projects
Smart film has a higher upfront cost than static alternatives (frosted film, blinds, curtains). For projects where capital cost is the primary driver and switchable functionality is not required, static solutions provide privacy at lower initial expense.
Exterior glazing
Smart film is designed for interior application. Exterior exposure to weather, UV degradation, and temperature extremes reduces service life. For exterior switchable glazing, factory-laminated smart glass units are required.
Alternatives to Smart Film — What Should Architects & Specifiers Consider?
Smart film is not the right solution for every project. This section helps architects and specifiers understand when smart film is the best choice and when alternatives should be considered.
Smart Film (PriviFilm™)
RecommendedBest for suitable retrofit projects and refurbishments where glass replacement is impractical or cost-prohibitive. Uses PDLC privacy technology without replacing suitable existing glazing. Installation programme and written warranty depend on the selected system and project.
Factory Smart Glass (PDLC Laminated)
New Build OnlySwitchable technology built into a factory-made glass unit. It requires new glazing rather than film applied to existing panes. Lead time, price and suitability depend on the specified product and project.
Full comparison →Window Blinds
Avoid in Healthcare/EducationLower upfront cost. Higher total cost of ownership due to ongoing maintenance, replacement, and cleaning. Not suitable for clinical environments under IPC guidelines. Mechanisms fail in high-use environments. Compare in detail:
Full comparison →Frosted / Manifestation Film
Permanent OnlyProvides permanent privacy — transparency is permanently removed. No switching capability. Appropriate where permanent obscuration is acceptable and cost is the overriding priority. Not suitable where natural light or clear sightlines are valued outside privacy periods.
Full comparison →Specification Support, Technical Data & CPD
PriviFilm provides specification support for architects and designers working within NBS, RIBA, and commercial procurement frameworks. Technical data sheets, product samples, glass compatibility assessments, and CPD content are available on request.
- Technical data sheets & product specifications
- Glass compatibility pre-assessment service
- Project-specific specification support
- CPD content on PDLC smart film technology
- Specification documentation for NBS and RIBA frameworks
- Sample provision for client presentations
Training & Certification
PriviFilm installations may be delivered by our in-house team or a suitable trained approved contractor, depending on location and scope. The quotation identifies the delivery route, specification responsibilities and applicable support.
View training programme →Become a PriviFilm Partner
Glazing specialists, fit-out contractors, and electrical integrators can apply to become approved PriviFilm partners — gaining access to manufacturer training, regional territory, and qualified project leads.
Partner programme details →Smart Film Specification — Technical Frequently Asked Questions
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