Chapter 5 Maintenance; Cleaning Fiber Optic Connectors - Harmonic PWRLink II 4100S Series Product Manual

This chapter describes how to:
• Clean fiber optic connectors
• Replace the fan in the PWRLink™ II 4100S Series Optical Transmitter
5.1

Cleaning Fiber Optic Connectors

DANGER: The fiber cable carries invisible laser radiation. AVOID
Dirty optical connectors are the leading source of poor performance in an
optical fiber network. Dirty optical connectors lead to optical signal loss and
reflections, which in turn can seriously degrade carrier-to-noise (CNR)
performance and, in some cases, distortion performance.
Therefore, Harmonic recommends that you clean all mating fiber connectors,
before connecting them to an optical device.
In addition, if you suspect that the optical connector of a PWL 4100S may
have been exposed to contamination (by a dirty fiber cable connector, for
example), you should properly clean the PWL 4100S optical connector before
connecting optical fiber.
CAUTION: Improper cleaning of an optical connector can do more harm
PWRLink™ II 4100S Series Optical Transmitter Product Manual Rev A (3/06)
EXPOSURE TO THE BEAM. Never operate a unit that has a
broken fiber or a disconnected fiber connector. For further
information, see A.9 Laser Radiation Warning on page A-5.
than good. Never spray a clean-air product onto the surface of
an optical connector. Spraying air onto an optical connector can
cause condensation on the connector surface, leaving water
spots and trapping dust. Failing to wipe a connector on dry lens
paper immediately after wiping on paper wet with isopropyl
alcohol can also lead to condensation on the connector. Using
low-grade cleaning paper or other cloth to wipe an optical
connector can leave microscopic fibers on the optical connector
surface.
Maintenance
5
5–1