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Fiber cleaning

Overview

This procedure describes the Alcatel-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 end faces 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 fiber cables please observe the following safety warnings:

ever look into the end of an exposed fiber or plug-in optical connectors as long as the

optical source is switched on.

NOTICE

Cable break

To avoid cable break ensure that the bending radius of optical fiber cables is not less than

38 mm [1.5 inches] or 20 times the diameter of the cable (whichever is greater).

Cleaning of optical connectors

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.

Connectors

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).

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Wipe off the connector face lengthwise (not with a circular motion) using a dry and

smooth tissue.

B-8

DANGER

Laser hazard

Alcatel-Lucent – Internal

Proprietary – Use pursuant to Company instruction

Fiber cleaning

365-313-103R8.0

Issue 2 July 2009

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