Cleaning Fiber-optic Connectors
l Improper cleaning can cause damage to the equipment. Isopropyl
alcohol should be removed completely from the connector or
adapter. Residual liquid alcohol can act as a transport
mechanism for loose dirt on the end face. If the alcohol is allowed
to evaporate slowly off the ferrule, it can leave residual material
on the cladding and fiber core. This is extremely difficult to clean
off without another wet cleaning, which is usually more difficult to
remove than the original contaminant. Liquid alcohol can also
remain in small crevices or cavities, where it can re-emerge
during fiber connection.
l On female multi-fiber connectors, ensure that no alcohol gets into
the guide pin holes. The alcohol may come out during mating and
could contaminate your connection.
1. Verify that you are properly grounded with an anti-static wrist strap or heel strap
connected to the grounded ESDjack.
2. Remove the protective end cap and store it in a small resealable container.
3. Inspect the connector with a hand-held fiber scope or video scope (Inspecting Fiber-
optic Connector and Receptacle End Faces).
4. Fold the wipe into a square (about four to eight layers thick).
5. Moisten one section of the wipe with one drop of 99% alcohol. Be sure that a portion
of the wipe remains dry.
6. Lightly wipe the ferrule tip in the alcohol-moistened portion of the wipe with a “figure
8” motion. Immediately repeat the “figure 8” wiping action on the dry section of the
wipe, to remove any residual alcohol.
Do not scrub the fiber against the wipe because doing so can scratch
the end face.
7. Properly dispose of the wipe. Never reuse a wipe.
8. Inspect the connector again with a hand-held fiber scope of video scope.
9. Repeat the process as necessary.
l Eye Safety Guidelines
l Laser and LED Safety Guidelines and Warnings
l Best Practices
l Required Tools and Equipment
Vendor-Specific Cleaning Techniques
Due to the proprietary nature of many cleaning techniques, the supplier should be
contacted for detailed information.
274 FSP3000 C Hardware Guide - R1.1 - Issue:A (12/09/2016)
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