HP 81536A - Cleaning Cable Connectors

E
Correct Cleaning Procedure
If you are unsure about the correct cleaning procedure for your device or if you are unsure
whether the procedure given here is suitable for your device, check with the manufacturer or
sales distributor, or try the procedure on a dummy or test device rst.
Cleaning Cable Connectors
Cleaning connectors is dicult as the core diameter of a singlemode ber is only about 9  m. This
generally means you cannot see streaks or scratches on the surface.To be certain of the condition
of the surface of your connector and to check it after cleaning, you need a microscope.
In the case of scratches, or of dust that has been burnt onto the surface of the connector, you may
have no option but to polish the connector. This depends on the degree of dirtiness, or the depth
of the scratches. This is a dicult procedure and should only be performed by skilled personnel,
and as a last resort as it wears out your connector.
Warning
Never look into the end of an optical cable that is connected to an active source
.
To assess the projection of the emitted light beam you can use an infrared sensor card. Hold the
card approximately 5 cm from the output of the connector. The invisible emitted light is projected
onto the card and becomes visible as a small circular spot.
Preferred
Procedure
1. Clean the connector by rubbing a new, dry cotton-swab over the surface
using a small circular movement.
2. Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
Procedure for
Stubborn Dirt
Use this procedure particularly when there is greasy dirt on the connector:
1. Moisten a new cotton-swab with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Clean the connector by rubbing the cotton-swab over the surface using a
small circular movement.
3. Take a new, dry soft-tissue and remove the alcohol, dissolved sediment and
dust, by rubbing gently over the surface using a small circular movement.
4. Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
An Alternative
Procedure
The better, more gentle, but more expensive cleaning procedure is to use an
ultrasonic bath with isopropyl alcohol.
1. Hold the tip of the connector in the bath for at least three minutes.
2. Take a new, dry soft-tissue and remove the alcohol, dissolved sediment and
dust, by rubbing gently over the surface using a small circular movement.
3. Blow away any remaining lint with compressed air.
Cleaning Procedures E-5