Direct Answer

Yes. Switchable™ glass is designed to be safe when manufactured and installed correctly. It is typically produced as laminated safety glass, meaning that even if the glass were damaged, the interlayer helps hold the panel together rather than shattering into loose fragments.

Why Switchable™ Glass is Considered Safe

Switchable™ glass is manufactured using laminated glass construction. This structure contains a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) interlayer sealed within the glass. Laminated safety glass is widely used in architectural and safety-critical glazing because:

• The interlayer holds the glass together if broken
• The panel remains largely intact rather than shattering
• The glass maintains a barrier even when damaged
• This construction helps improve overall glazing safety.

Electrical Safety

Switchable™ glass operates using low voltage electrical current. The conductive layer is fully sealed within the laminated glass, meaning users do not come into contact with electrical components during normal use.

When installed correctly, the electrical system is designed to operate safely within building standards and glazing specifications.

Safety During Power Loss

If power is removed, Switchable™ glass automatically returns to its opaque state. This behaviour maintains privacy and does not create any safety risk.

Is Switchable™ Glass Strong?

Switchable™ glass can be manufactured using toughened and laminated safety glass depending on the specification. This allows it to meet safety and structural glazing requirements for many architectural applications.

The exact strength and performance depend on the glass specification used in the installation.

Is Switchable™ Glass Safe for Public and Commercial Use?

Yes. Switchable™ glass is widely used in commercial, healthcare, and architectural environments where safety glazing is required. Its laminated construction and sealed functional layer make it suitable for use in controlled and high-use environments when correctly specified.

Maintenance and Safe Operation

Switchable™ glass has no exposed moving parts and requires minimal maintenance. Proper installation, electrical integration, and control systems help ensure long-term safe operation.

Learn More

To understand how the technology works, see How Switchable™ Glass Works.

For a full overview of performance, applications, and specification, see the Complete Guide to Switchable™ Glass.

For a clear definition, see What is Switchable™ Glass?

You can explore more technical explanations within the Your Questions Explained knowledge hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Switchable™ glass safety glass?
Yes. It is typically manufactured using laminated safety glass construction.

Is Switchable™ glass electrically safe?
Yes. It operates on low voltage and the conductive layer is sealed within the glass.

Does Switchable™ glass shatter when broken?
Laminated construction helps hold the panel together rather than shattering into loose fragments.

Is Switchable™ glass suitable for public buildings?
Yes. It is widely used in commercial and controlled environments when correctly specified.

Does Switchable™ glass require special maintenance for safety?
No. It has no exposed moving parts and requires minimal maintenance when installed correctly.