I. PREPARATION
Before installing the electrochromic film on glass surfaces (windows, doors, partitions, etc.), the following recommendations must be observed:
A. All glass elements, on which the electrochromic film is going to be installed, should be removed from the window frame and placed horizontally on a smooth, clean surface. Installing the smart film on windows that are already fixed in window frames or are placed vertically is also possible, but we recommend the installation to be done by a specialist.
B. It is recommended to work in a dust-free room, suitable for installing the electrochromic film, without open windows, ventilation or air conditioning. Sufficient lighting is required in the room.
C. It is recommended that the installation of the electrochromic film is carried out by a specialist using all the suitable tools.
D. It is advisable for the installers to use nitrile powder-free gloves in order to prevent contamination on the PDLC film surface.
E. Do not use sharp objects / knives, scissors, etc. / to unpack the smart film!
NOTE! Do not use hot air devices when installing the electrochromic film, as this may damage the product and may result in internal structural damage to the material! The electrochromic film is not elastic (does not shrink) and the use of hot air results only in a guaranteed permanent damage!
NOTE! Please do not use any improvised tools during installation as the surface of the electrochromic film may be damaged and the product may lose its physical and technical characteristics.
II. TESTING THE ELECTROCHROMIC FILM
1. The electrochromic film shall be unpacked carefully from the transport packaging, placed in a convenient working space and unfolded from the roll without removing the protective layers of thin film on both sides.
2. You can test the smart film before installation.
2.1. Open the box containing the electronic control unit. Unpack the transformer and the remote control.
2.2. Make sure all wires exiting the transformer are secured and the power switch is in the “Off” position
2.3. Connect the corresponding 60V output wires of the transformer to the electrochromic film wires. It is a MUST to match the colours – the black wire of the transformer shall be connected to the black wire of the PDLC film and the red wire of the transformer shall be connected to the red wire of the film.
2.4. Insulate the connections with insulation tape.
2.5. Insert the appropriate battery model into the remote control.
2.6. Connect the power cable to the transformer and plug it into the electrical network.
2.7. Switch on the transformer by pressing the knob switch on it – this should make the electrochromic film transparent.
2.8. Use the remote control to control the degree of transparency and to switch on and off the PDLC smart film.
2.9. After checking that the transformer, the remote control and the electrochromic film are working properly, use the remote control to switch off the electrical supply to the electrochromic film – this way the film turns opaque.
2.10. Switch off transformer using the knob switch on it and then unplug from the electricity network.
2.11. Disconnect the connections between the transformer wires and the PDLC electrochromic film wires and secure them.
III. INSTALLATION OF THE ELECTROCHROMIC FILM
- The electrochromic film should be cleaned on both sides with a neutral pH detergent, then with distilled water. Use a squeegee or a glass scraper to remove the remaining liquid from the surface of the smart film and a microfiber cloth to dry it.
- The surface of the glass should also be cleaned with a neutral pH detergent. A microfiber cloth (suitable for glass cleaning) should be used to remove dust or other particles on the glass.
- The glass should be sprayed with distilled water. Clean the remaining water from the surface of the glass with a squeegee/glass scraper.
- The surface is then inspected for visible particles that may have remained after cleaning. If dust or larger particles are detected, the process in Point 5 should be repeated.
- Once the glass is properly cleaned, the electrochromic film can be installed.
- The glass is sprayed with a small amount of distilled water so that a light layer of moisture is present on the surface. Then start to apply the smart film to the glass by peeling off gradually the thin protective layer on the adhesive side of the electrochromic film.
* If the glass surface is too wet, you can remove some of the water with the squeegee until the surface is slightly damp.
* The adhesive side of the electrochromic film is marked with a “Step 1” sticker affixed to the film’s protective layer.
* When installing the smart film, pay attention to the location of the electrodes and ensure they are going to be hidden in the window frames.
- As there may be dust on the protective layer of the electrochromic film, it is desirable to hire a specialist to install it in order to minimize contact between the glass and the protective layer of the PDLC smart film and to avoid the presence of dust on the final product.
* All air and water bubbles shall be removed with the use of a squeegee/glass scraper. If necessary, the upper protective layer of the electrochromic film elements may be sprayed with distilled water during installation to facilitate the use of the tools.
- After installation, the electrochromic film should remain in the horizontal position for several hours to allow the water to evaporate and the PDLC film to stick to the surface of the glass.
- If more air / water bubbles appear during this time, they should be removed with the squeegee/glass scraper.
* If the glass surface was too damp during installation or the room temperature was low, the time needed for the electrochromic film to stick properly to the glass shall be increased up to 24 hours.
- Ensure that the electrochromic film has been stuck to the glass properly and then peel off the top protective layer from the PDLC smart film. Please proceed gradually and with caution!
* If air bubbles appear during removal of the protective layer, they should be removed with the glass scraper.
- The electrochromic film can be cut with a box cutter if necessary, with caution and without creasing the film.
- Once the electrochromic film has been properly installed on the glass, the glass can be mounted in the frame.
- The two wires attached to the electrodes of the smart film (red and black) should be soldered to the corresponding output wires of the transformer – 60V. The output wires of the transformer should be mounted into the glass frame and secured by a specialist.
* It is necessary to match the colours of the wires and to connect the corresponding colours: “+” / red / and “-” / black /
* It is advisable to insert the supply wires in the frame in a way which ensures minimum folding of the wires especially when the electrochromic film is placed on a movable element (eg. window, door, etc.).
* On larger pieces of electrochromic film there are two wires of each type attached to one electrode / 2pcs black wires and 2 pcs red wires /. These wires are interchangeable and serve as an additional unit, which provides greater reliability of the circuit. You can use one of each type, and the additional ones can be isolated or you can use all four.
* If dust or other particles are visible after the installation of the smartfilm, the installation process can be repeated, but there is a significant risk of additional contamination of the electrochromic film and the surface of the glass, as the PDLC film will not be protected and even more dust may be accumulated if the process is not carried out in a dust-free room.
* If the electrochromic film is installed in an environment with adverse weather conditions – high humidity, low or high temperatures – you can apply a small amount of universal silicone at its ends after the film has been stuck to the glass and the moisture from the surface has evaporated. The silicone needs 12 hours to dry.
IV. MAINTENANCE
- Do not clean the smart film with water for the next 7 days after installation.
- Do not place / stick / hang any decorations or other objects on the installed electrochromic film. Do not use vacuum hangers, glue, adhesive tape, etc.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth and a suitable pH neutral detergent without acetone or alcohol.
- Do not use abrasive detergents, hard towels, brushes, or tools that could damage the surface of the electrochromic film.
- Do not use pencils, pens, markers, or similar tools on the surface of the electrochromic film.