Connector cleaning guide, Cleaning procedure warning – Olson Technology OTEB-CW-B User Manual

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Equipment

Either

Connector Cleaning Guide

Optical fiber connectors require care and careful cleaning. Caps should be left on connec-
tors whenever they are not in use. Do not touch the connector end. Damage to connector
end faces caused by improper care is not covered by the warranty.

We have found the following equipment useful in maintaining connector
cleanliness:

Automatic connector cleaner (CLETOP

) (available from most suppliers) or canned iso-

propyl alcohol with clean optical wipes and canned air.

Connector inspection microscope. (The Noyes 300-200 or 300-400 optical fiber scope is
good, as is the AMP fiber inspection scope and the Buehler fiber scope. Typical low cost
multimode connector viewers are not suitable for inspecting single-mode connectors).

Cleaning procedure

WARNING:

After making sure that the light source is off (!!!), check the connector ferrule end using
the connector inspection microscope. If no dirt, grease or small particles are visible no fur-
ther cleaning is necessary.

Use canned air to remove loose particles.

Use automatic connector cleaner such as CLETOP

. Wipe the connector as

directed on the box. Be careful with angled connectors (connectors with green
boots) to make sure the full surface contacts the cloth. You will need to tilt the

connector slightly. Using an automatic cleaner is our preferred technique. Note that some
low cost cleaners may leave small particles on the fiber surface.

Moisten a clean optical wipe with alcohol and wipe connector. Finish by wiping
the connector with a dry part of the wipe. Be careful not to allow oil from fingers to
contact connector. Allow the connector to dry for 1 minute. Inadequate drying can

result in the alcohol residue burning into the connector end when the fiber is lit.

Inspect the connector ferule under the microscope. Clean again if necessary.

If a connector is to be used to transmit high powers (>50mW), great care should be taken
in cleaning. Mating loss of these connectors should be kept to a minimum.