Tell You the Best Way to Clean Fiber Optic Connectors?

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 What
are the Differences between a Hand Held Microscope and a Video Microscope?

 

A
digital microscope is just a regular hand held microscope with a camera added
to it. Usual magnification ranges from 100x to 800x, a popular magnification is
400x, although 200x can usually do the job. Sometimes a 200x may be a better
choice as you can see more of the area that is being inspected. These
microscopes can capture images and have documentation software. They provide a
report on the inspection. A tech can look at the connector on a computer
screen. Some digital microscopes may have a focus; some models have auto focus.
All you need do to use this microscope is attach the connector to be inspected
and view the results on a computer screen or tablet. This image can also be
captured and sent remotely to another location for inspection. A hand held
microscope provides basically the same function as the digital microscope but
is limited to just the inspection. It cannot be viewed on a computer or tablet
screen nor can it transmit the image for remote viewing. However, it will give
you the basic information you need on whether or not the connector is dirty.

 How
Do I Clean a Connector?

 Step
#1

It
is always best to turn off the laser. Never under any circumstances should you
look into the end of any optical fiber while it is energized. Looking directly
at the fiber can cause irrevocable eye damage.

 Step
# 2

Remove
the protective cap and store it in a clean container. Make sure the container
has a cover. This will protect the dust caps from dust or dirt.

 Step
# 3

The
connector now needs a visual inspection with a microscope. Typical dust and
debris cannot be seen with the naked eye. A hand held microscope or a video
microscope will aid you in seeing the condition of the connector. Take the connector
and attach it to either the video microscope or the hand held microscope of
your choice. Take a look to see the condition. If you see debris or
contamination you need to do some cleaning.

 Step
# 4

You
need to be careful when cleaning or you may introduce more contamination. There
are several ways to clean a connector. Wet Cleaning, Wet to Dry Cleaning, and
Dry Connector Cleaners.

 

• Wet Cleaning

• Dry
Connector Cleaners

• Wet to Dry
Cleaning

 

Wet
Cleaning

 

You
must use reagent-grade 99% isopropyl alcohol and lint free cleaning wipes. The
reagent grade alcohol can be purchased in bulk however, it is suggested that
you use pre-moistened Isopropyl alcohol wipes as bulk isopropyl alcohol can
become contaminated after time and will absorb water from the air. The
individually packed wipes will avoid that problem. Dry Connector Cleaners –
Also known as click type cleaner or a cassette cleaner are generally used for
light contamination. They contain a lint free type of tape designed to clean.
It is more difficult to eliminate contaminants using the dry method. Connectors
can become electrically charged during this method and may even attract
additional contaminants. Use the correct materials to avoid this. Wet to Dry
Cleaning – In this process you need to use a small amount of reagent grade
alcohol to remove debris and dust particles. Apply a small amount to a lint
free fiber optic cleaning cloth. Wipe the connector from the wet area on the
cleaning cloth, towards the dry section of the cloth. Do this using a straight
across forward motion right across the connector. Never use a figure 8 motion
when using this method. This method of moving straight across the lint free
surface will remove debris and particles. It is important to note more is not
better when using this method. Using too much cleaner could contaminate the
surface to be cleaned. Remember, moderate wetness, wipe only straight across
from wet to dry.

 

Always
Avoid

 

• A cleaning
process that will leave a residue on the connector or end-face.

• Twisting or
pulling on the fiber cable forcefully.

• Looking
directly at lasers.

• Touching the
area that was cleaned

• Reusing
cleaning wipes

• Touching cleaning
materials

 

 Conclusion

 

You
always need to inspect your connectors for contamination. Never assume a
connector is clean. Connectors in many cases are the source of degradation.
Contamination is your systems enemy. Use a microscope to do your inspection.
Use a proven procedure and products to clean your connectors. Never trust the
quality of your optical signal to guesswork. The only way that you can
guarantee that your connectors are doing their job correctly is to; Inspect,
clean, inspect.