Cisco Cisco 1 GHz GainStar Node Installation Guide
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
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Cleaning Optical Connectors
Note: The proper procedure for cleaning the optical connectors depends on the
connector type. The following content describes the general instructions for cleaning
the optical connectors. Many companies have established procedures for cleaning
the conductors which should be followed. If your company has established
procedures, the following instructions should be considered along with your
procedures.
Cleaning the fiber-optic connectors can help prevent interconnect problems and
increase the system performance. When the optical connectors are disconnected or
reconnected, the fiber surface can become dirty or scratched. If not addressed, the
dirt or damaged surface may lead to interconnect problems and reduce system
performance.
The fiber-optic connectors should be inspected prior to mating and cleaned as
needed to remove the dust and contaminants without leaving any residue.
Connectors should be visually inspected after cleaning to confirm that they are clean
and undamaged.
connector type. The following content describes the general instructions for cleaning
the optical connectors. Many companies have established procedures for cleaning
the conductors which should be followed. If your company has established
procedures, the following instructions should be considered along with your
procedures.
Cleaning the fiber-optic connectors can help prevent interconnect problems and
increase the system performance. When the optical connectors are disconnected or
reconnected, the fiber surface can become dirty or scratched. If not addressed, the
dirt or damaged surface may lead to interconnect problems and reduce system
performance.
The fiber-optic connectors should be inspected prior to mating and cleaned as
needed to remove the dust and contaminants without leaving any residue.
Connectors should be visually inspected after cleaning to confirm that they are clean
and undamaged.
Recommended Equipment
The following equipment is recommended to clean the ends of the fiber-optic
connectors.
connectors.
CLETOP or OPTIPOP ferrule cleaner (CLETOP Type A for SC)
Compressed air (also called “canned air”)
Lint-free wipes moistened with optical-grade (99%) isopropyl alcohol
Optical connector scope
Tips for Optimal Fiber-Optic Connector Performance
Follow these guidelines to ensure optimal connector performance.
Do not connect or disconnect optical connectors while optical power is present.
Always use compressed air before cleaning the fiber-optic connectors.
Always use end caps on the connectors when they are not in use.
Always use compressed air to clean the end caps.
If you have any degraded signal problem, clean the fiber-optic connector.
Advance a clean portion of the ferrule cleaner reel for each cleaning.
Turn off the optical power before establishing or breaking optical connections in
order to avoid the microscopic damage to the fiber mating surfaces.
order to avoid the microscopic damage to the fiber mating surfaces.