Visual Inspection; Look For Obvious Defects And Damage First; Inspecting The Mating Plane Surfaces - HP 85091A Reference Manual

Gauging and Making Connections

Visual Inspection

Visual Inspection
Visual inspection and, if necessary, cleaning should be done every time
a connection is made. Metal particles from the connector threads may
fall into the connector when it is disconnected. One connection made
with a dirty or damaged connector can damage both connectors beyond
repair.
In some cases, magnification is necessary to see damage on a connector.
This is especially true with female connectors. The contact fingers on
the center conductor may become bent or broken. The use of a
microscope with a magnification ≥ 10× is recommended to detect this
type of damage. Not all defects that are visible only under
magnification will affect the electrical performance of the connector.
Use the following guidelines when evaluating the integrity of a
connector.

Look for Obvious Defects and Damage First

Examine the connectors first for obvious defects and damage: badly
worn plating on the connector interface, deformed threads, or bent,
broken, or misaligned center conductors. Connector nuts should move
smoothly and be free of burrs, loose metal particles and rough spots.
Devices with damaged connectors should be discarded or repaired if
possible. Try to determine the cause of damage before connecting a new,
undamaged connector in the same configuration.

Inspecting the Mating Plane Surfaces

Flat contact between the connectors at all points on their mating plane
surfaces is required for a good connection. Look especially for deep
scratches or dents, and for dirt and metal particles on the connector
mating plane surfaces. Also look for bent or rounded edges on the
mating plane surfaces of the center and outer conductors, and for signs
of damage due to excessive or uneven wear or misalignment.
Light burnishing of the mating plane surfaces is normal, and is evident
as light scratches or shallow circular marks distributed more or less
uniformly over the mating plane surface. Other small defects and
cosmetic imperfections are also normal. None of these affect electrical
or mechanical performance.
If a connector shows deep scratches or dents, particles clinging to the
mating plane surfaces, or uneven wear, clean and inspect it again.
Devices with damaged connectors should be discarded. Try to
determine the cause of damage before connecting a new, undamaged
connector in the same configuration.
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