Clear When Off. Frosted When On. Instant Privacy on Demand.
PDLC switchable film transforms existing glass into smart glass — switch between fully transparent and frosted opaque in under one second. No glass replacement required. Installed by Arizona's licensed window film contractor.
Also called dimmable window film or electrochromic film — the technology uses liquid crystal particles that align when powered. We install SDX, PDLC, and electrochromic smart film systems from leading manufacturers. Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and the greater Valley — smart film installation available same week for standard applications.
Electric privacy film uses PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology — a form of electrochromic smart film. Microscopic liquid crystal droplets are suspended in a polymer layer between two conductive films laminated to your glass. When current flows, the crystals align and the glass dims clear; cut the current, and the glass returns to a frosted opaque state. The term "dimmable window film" refers to the same underlying technology.
Arizona House of Film installs SDX Smart Film, PDLC systems, and electrochromic smart glass retrofits from leading manufacturers. Same family of technology — different brand and substrate options depending on your glass type, voltage availability, and control integration.
When no power is applied, the liquid crystals are randomly oriented. They scatter incoming light in all directions, creating a frosted opaque appearance. No clear view is possible in either direction. This is the default state — your glass defaults to private during power outages.
When an electric current (48-65V AC) is applied, the crystals align in parallel. Light passes straight through without scattering. The glass becomes fully transparent. Switching takes less than one second. Power consumption is approximately 5 watts per square meter.
Control options include wall switches, wireless remotes, timers, occupancy sensors, and smart home integration (Alexa, Google Home, Crestron, Control4). Calendar-triggered automation is available for conference rooms — the glass frosts automatically when a meeting is scheduled.
Switch from transparent to frosted during private meetings. Return to open and transparent for daily collaboration. Controlled by wall switch, remote, or calendar integration.
Glass-walled offices that shift between open-plan visibility and private focus. Individual control per partition. Compatible with existing glass walls — no replacement required.
HIPAA-compliant privacy on demand for exam rooms, consultation areas, and patient-facing glass. Instant opaque mode during procedures. Clear for staff visibility between appointments.
High-end privacy solution for C-suite offices with glass walls. Maintains open aesthetic when desired, complete privacy when needed. Integration with smart home and building automation systems.
Exterior-facing bathroom windows that switch from transparent (natural light during day) to frosted (privacy when bathing). Eliminates the need for blinds or curtains in wet environments.
Display windows that convert to private after business hours. Protect merchandise visibility during off-hours. Create event-ready private spaces for after-hours functions.
$50-120
Per square foot installed
2-3 Weeks
Order-in lead time
1 Day
Typical installation time
A standard conference room glass partition (40-60 sqft) typically runs $3,000-$7,000 installed including wiring, wall switch, and remote control. Premium integrations with smart home or building automation systems add $500-$1,500.
All installations include wiring, control hardware, and manufacturer warranty documentation. Arizona House of Film is licensed ROC #314088.
| Feature | Electric Switchable | Static Frosted |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy mode | On-demand switching | Permanent |
| Transparency | Fully clear when off | Always diffused |
| Cost per sqft | $50-120 | $10-18 |
| Installation time | 1 day + wiring | 2-4 hours |
| Lead time | 2-3 weeks order-in | Same week (in stock) |
| Power required | Yes (48-65V AC) | No |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 8-15 years |
| Best for | Variable-use spaces | Always-private areas |
For permanent privacy applications like bathrooms and office partitions, static frosted film is more cost-effective. For spaces that need to toggle between open and private, electric film is worth the investment.
Get a custom quote for switchable electric privacy film. We handle everything — film, wiring, controls, and integration.
Licensed ROC #314088 | 713+ Projects | U.S. Navy Veteran Owned
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