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Cleaning fiber-optic connectors – Grass Valley LDK 4427 User Manual

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LDK 4427 3G Fiber Camera to 3G Triax Converter User’s Guide (v1.0)

Cleaning fiber-optic connectors

Warning

Never clean an optical connector attached to a fiber that is carrying light.

Particles of foreign matter on the tip of a ferrule can have a disabling effect on fiber-
optic transmission. Fiber-optic connectors need to be cleaned every time they are
mated and unmated; it is essential that fiber-optic users develop the necessary
discipline to always clean the connectors before they are mated.

Use a commerially available cleaning kit specifically designed for fiber-optic
connectors and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

The connector sections to be cleaned include the tips and sides of ferrules, the
interior walls of alignment sleeves, and the interior and exterior of connector
shells.

For plugs, the interior surfaces of alignment sleeves and the tips of ferrules are
to be cleaned with a cleaning stick treated with the appropriate fluid. (Cleaning
sticks with a slender design are available that allow alignment sleeves to be
cleaned without having to detach them.)

For jacks, it is important to clean both the tips and sides of the completely
protruding ferrules.

Both the male and female connector shells tend to attract dust and metal
particles, so it is important to clean both the insides and outsides.

The fiber end face and ferrule must be absolutely clean before it is inserted
into a transmitter or receiver.

Mate the connector immediately! Don't let the connector lie around and
collect dust before mating.

Air can be used to remove lint or loose dust from the port of a transmitter or
receiver to be mated with the connector. Never insert any liquid into the ports.