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.