Fiber-Optic Cleaning Procedure - VeEX MPA User Manual

MPA_e_manual_D07-00-129P_RevA00

Fiber-Optic Cleaning Procedure

With fiber optics, the tolerance to dirt is near zero. Oils, greases, airborne particles of
dust, lint, and other debris are all very harmful to fiber-optic cables. They can scratch
and damage fiber-optic connectors if not removed. Not only can scratches and debris
harm the connectors, but they also can jeopardize the integrity and accuracy of the
optical signal.
The ferrule end faces of fiber optic patch cords and receptacle connectors are some of
the most critical components for fiber optical networks. Prior to inserting any patch cord
into the test equipment's receptacle connector, clean and examine the patch cord's and
the receptacle's connectors to verify the quality of each.
Inspect the Ferrule End Face of a Patch Cord Connector
WARNING: Never look into the end of a fiber, through a microscope or your
bare eye, if the other end is connected to an operating piece of network or
test equipment!
1. Prior to inserting any patch cord into the microscope, verify that the other end is
not connected to an operating piece of network equipment.
2. Visually examine the end face of the connector using a fiber-optic microscope.
3. If the end face of the connector is unacceptable, properly clean the connector
prior to use.
4. If the end faces are acceptable, then use the fiber-optical patch cord as intended.
If the end faces are not acceptable, then clean the connectors and reexamine
them again.
To Clean a Patch Cord Connector Using Lint-Free Tissue and Alcohol
1. Using the pressurized canned air, blow away any dust particles that may be on
the exterior surface of the connector, particularly the sides and end face of the
ferrule. Hold the can approximately two inches from the surface to be cleaned
and apply three to five short blasts of air.
Common Tasks
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