Where does installation of Smart Film products fit into NEC?

[matttd]

Where does installation of something like http://shop.smarttint.com/Electrical-Wiring_b_526.html fit in the code?

It is meant to be installed on or in glass windows/doors and seems like it would meet the requirements of a Class 3 circuit under Article 725 if class 3 power supplies/transformers existed in the real world (60VAC or 120VAC, 5W/m²). The film is supplied with flexible wiring leads that are meant to be routed behind trim, walls, or drop ceiling to a switch but it seems that would be in violation of 400.8. It seems like it would be a stretch for 402.10(2) allow concealment of flexible fixture wiring back to the switch/branch circuit.

 

[JFletcher]

Welcome to the forum. Good question. I dont have a good answer. Following this topic...

 

[480sparky]

If it plugs in, it's beyond the scope of the NEC and falls under the NRTL listing.

 

[matttd]

They offer a plug but I imagine most installations would be hardwired.

 

[480sparky]

Removing the cord cap & hardwiring would remove the NRTL listing.

 

[K8MHZ]

Removing the cord cap & hardwiring would remove the NRTL listing.

The cord isn't attached.

 

[jaggedben]

I'd be curious if the product is listed to a standard, and if so which one.

 

[Coppersmith]

I searched the site looking for a UL listing or similar and found none. I thought about emailing them to ask about listing but figured they would ignore me (maybe even threaten me). This product does not look like it could be installed in a code compliant manner although it's quite cool.

The reason you can field cut it is because power is applied to both sides, one conductor on each side. I assume there is a clear plastic layer over a mesh of fine wires or conductive film. Seems like if you scratch it and the hot side is facing you, you could get zapped.

 

[Coppersmith]

This product does not look like it could be installed in a code compliant manner although it's quite cool.

I think if they enclosed the buss bars and wires in a plastic bezel with wiring space and a 1/2" KO for the feed, it might get listed by UL.

 

[matttd]

I searched the site looking for a UL listing or similar and found none. I thought about emailing them to ask about listing but figured they would ignore me (maybe even threaten me). This product does not look like it could be installed in a code compliant manner although it's quite cool.

The reason you can field cut it is because power is applied to both sides, one conductor on each side. I assume there is a clear plastic layer over a mesh of fine wires or conductive film. Seems like if you scratch it and the hot side is facing you, you could get zapped.

It looks like this company's product is UL listed to 962: http://www.smartfilmglass.com/ It runs at 40VAC. I ordered a 120V sample of the smarttint product in the original post and it arrived with ~12in pigtails leads soldered to the bus bar. Actually worked pretty good but it worries me that I couldn't find anything about a UL listing and not sure the legality or safety of installing (especially the 120V version!)