Cleaning The Fiber-Optic Connectors - Cisco WS-SUP720-3B - Supervisor Engine 720 User Manual

Fiber-Optic Connectors
Figure B-7
Use extreme care when removing or installing connectors so that you do not damage the connector
Caution
housing or scratch the end-face surface of the fiber. Always install protective covers on unused or
disconnected components to prevent contamination. Always clean fiber connectors before installing
them.
For fiber-optic connector cleaning instructions, see the
on page
When you disconnect the fiber-optic cable from the module, grip the body of the connector. Do not grip
the connector jacket-sleeve. Gripping the sleeve can, over time, compromise the integrity of the
fiber-optic cable termination in the LC connector.

Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors

Fiber-optic connectors are used to connect two fibers together. When these connectors are used in a
communications system, proper connection is critical.
Fiber-optic connectors differ from electrical connectors or microwave connectors. In a fiber-optic
system, light is transmitted through an extremely small fiber core. Because fiber cores are often 62.5
microns or less in diameter in multimode fiber (MMF) and 8.3 to 10 microns in single-mode fiber (SMF),
dust particles and any contamination on the face of the fiber core can degrade the performance of the
connector interface where the two cores meet. The connector must be precisely aligned, and the
connector interface must be absolutely free of trapped contaminants.
Use extreme care when removing or installing connectors so that you do not damage the connector
Caution
housing or scratch the end-face surface of the fiber. Always install protective covers on unused or
disconnected components to prevent contamination. Always clean fiber connectors before installing
them.
To clean the fiber-optic connectors, use a CLETOP cassette cleaner (type A for SC connectors or type B
for MT-RJ connectors) and follow the product instructions. If a CLETOP cassette cleaner is not
available, follow these steps:
Gently wipe the ferrules and end-face surfaces of the connector with an alcohol pad. Be sure that the pad
Step 1
makes full contact with the end-face surfaces. Wait five seconds for the surfaces to dry and repeat.
Blow dry the connectors with canned, dry, oil-free, compressed air.
Step 2
Use a magnifying glass or inspection microscope to inspect the ferrule. If contaminants are visible,
Step 3
repeat the cleaning procedure.
Cisco 7600 Series Router Supervisor Engine and Route Switch Processor Guide
B-18
LC Fiber-Optic Connector
B-18.
Appendix B Cable and Connector Specifications
"Cleaning the Fiber-Optic Connectors" section
OL-10100-11