Fiber Information - Optelecom-nkf 9131DT Installation And Operation Manual

Fiber Information

This unit was manufactured with attention to fiber cleanliness by Optelecom-NKF . Beyond the optical safety
information contained in this manual, the following guidelines should be observed when working with
optical fibers.
The biggest problem is dirt!
It takes very little contamination to cause problems with optical fiber connections; cleanliness is extremely
important to proper operation of optical equipment.
1. Protect optical connectors by leaving the connector covers in place on unused fiber connections and on
the fiber tips themselves.
2. Personnel who remove and replace fibers should be equipped with a fiber cleaning kit. These are
inexpensive and can be obtained from any fiber equipment supply house. If you choose to, you can use
propanol and lint-free tissue to clean fibers.
a. a. Do not use isopropanol alcohol (typically called rubbing alcohol) mixed with water. This can cause
additional spots. (Caution: Pure isopropanol is very flammable!)
b. Use lintless tissues to clean fibers.
c. Clean the fiber with a folded tissue moistened with the propanol, pulling the connector tip across the
tissue, then turn the connector 90 degrees and repeat in a different spot on the tissue.
d. Don't pull the fiber across and then push it back. This will put the dirt that was cleaned off back on
again.
e. Repeat the process on a dry, folded tissue.
3. When removing fibers, always clean them when replacing them no matter how long you had them off.
4. When connecting fibers, pay attention to the bend radius of the fibers. A general rule is to have a 3-inch
(8 cm) bend radius. A bend radius less than 3 inches is an attenuator and can cause optical signal loss.
5. Installers of fiber equipment should be equipped with the equipment manuals and an optical power meter
to measure the optical inputs and outputs in a system. An optical power meter is an inexpensive tool that
can save much time and effort in getting optical communications links up and running. Properly equipped
and trained installers can quickly determine the source of any problems that occur.
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