Electric Glass, Privacy Glass, Smart Glass – What’s the difference?

Since smart glass is still a relatively new technology, many terms have been coined to describe it in recent years. These include smart glass, switchable glass, electric glass, to name just a few. Unfortunately, all these different names have created some confusion, and so to clear this up, we’ve decided to explain the differences between the terminologies.

Smart glass
Smart glass is the most frequently used and recognised term in the industry. It refers to the full range of technological glass offerings, which change their state when electrical currents are applied. This phrase is used in a variety of different contexts, from interior design, to architecture, to healthcare.

Switchable glass
Switchable glass is an interchangeable term for smart glass. It’s the second most frequently used search term and the two phrases are often joined together, to call the technology switchable smart glass. This name was coined due to the glass essentially ‘switching’ it’s state from opaque to transparent, all at the flick of a switch.

Electric Glass
Electric glass is the exact same thing as smart and switchable glass, it’s just another name coined to describe switchable smart glass. It was dubbed as such by both commercial and residential consumers, due to the electrical current used to make the glass change state. When the voltage is applied through the glass, it’s what causes the particles suspended within the panes to align and makes the glass appear transparent.

Magic glass
Magic glass is a term most commonly used by residential customers, and is another of the many phrases used to refer to smart glass. This term came about due to the changing nature of the glass appearing like an ingenious magic trick, though it is a less frequently used phrase.

Privacy Glass
Privacy glass is a specific type of smart glass, designed to improve confidentiality wherever it’s installed. The panels change from transparent to opaque in a fraction of a second, perfect for improving privacy in a range of situations, from offices to home designs. However, this term is also used often in other contexts, such as to describe the frosted glass often seen in hotels or bathrooms.

Electrochromic glass
Electrochromic Glass is a name given to another specific type of smart glass, Solar Smart Glass. This regulates the amount of light and heat passing through, helping to regulate the building’s temperature. The glass also has the benefit of making companies greener, by saving on heating and air conditioning costs.

Blackout Glass
Like Privacy and Electrochromic Glass, Blackout Glass is a particular type of smart glass. It is designed to offer complete privacy and light control at the press of a button, meaning it ideal for situations that require confidentiality or regulation of light transmission, such as offices or art galleries. This is more a description for Solar, BlackOut is beneficial for Medical Treatment Rooms, X-ray Rooms, Roof Lights, Media Rooms, Bedrooms as it blocks out 99.7% light.

For further information on smart glass and its possible applications, contact Smartglass International today, or browse our previous projects to be inspired by the range of uses.