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Overview

Cleaning of optical

connectors

Connectors

365-374-074

Issue a, April 2002

This procedure describes the Lucent recommended method for the

cleaning and inspection of optical connectors using specific tools and

materials that have been proven to be effective in the assembly and

testing of optical transmission equipment. It is critical that the

connector endfaces are clean and free from particular contamination to

assure proper performance and reliability of lightwave systems. With

the modern high-speed, high-power and wider bandwidth optical

transmission systems, clean connectors along the optical path are

absolutely essential for successful operation.

Before working with optical fibre cables please observe the following

safety warnings:

DANGER

Never look into the end of an exposed fibre or plug-in

optical connectors as long as the optical source is switched

on. This applies particularly to the connections of the optical

plug-in units.

CAUTION

To avoid cable break ensure that the bending radius of

optical fibre cables is not less than 30 mm.

Optical connectors are only to be cleaned in accordance with the

cleaning instructions listed below.

If impurities are assumed, the use of a fiberscope is recommended in

order to check the connector face for impurities (e.g. fluff, dust

particles). A fiberscope with a magnification x 200 is preferred.

If impurities are discovered, the optical connector must be

cleaned in accordance with the following rules:

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Wipe off the connector face lengthwise (not with a circular motion!)

using a smooth tissue (moistened with isopropanol).

Lucent Technologies

Installation trouble shooting

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