Mar 24, 2021

Why Inspect and Clean Fiber Optic Connectors?

by | Fiber optics | 0 comments

Inspecting and cleaning of fiber optic connectors during installation and when making any patching, is essential. Any contamination on a patch cord connector will be transferred through the coupler to the connector it is mated to. Even when testing fibers with a test lead, that connector must be absolutely clean too. Any dirt on fiber connectors will reduce performance and in the case of single-mode connectors that have a very small core, dirt could cause serious transmission problems. When patching fiber patch cords, inspect the connector ends before patching, as even new ones ‘out of the packet’, may be dirty and should you plug that into a bulkhead connector, that dirt will be transferred over. Do not allow fiber the connectors of fiber patchcords to touch the floor. They will require cleaning again.

Remember, ‘Inspect and if clean patch’. If dirty when inspecting, ‘clean then inspect again’ before patching.

This video highlights the potential issues of any contamination on the endface which will cause the mating to be poor between two connectors.

 

Written by James Donovan

James Donovan is telecommunications and infrastructure professional with a massive wealth of experience achieved over 30 years in the industry and has a passion for training. James has worked with companies such as CommScope, Avaya, Alcatel, Lucent and AT&T, building learning programs and solutions that have delivered market-leading training to partners and learners around the world.

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