Why Inspect and Clean Fiber Optic Connectors?
Tags: contamination | datacenter | network failure | optical end face
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
You might also enjoy
FO Connector Contamination – A Constant Threat
Fiber optic communication most commonly works in duplex or multifiber transmission by transmitting light to a receiver in one direction on a fiber and receiving transmitted light back to a second receiver on the second fiber. Most engineers can understand that and...
Cleaning MPOs
MPO connectors should always be inspected with a scope before they are used, be that on a patch cord or a bulkhead. If they need to be cleaned, one-click cleaners are keyed to ensure the tip only fits one way onto the connectors and is able to clean both male and...
The Right Kit for Cleaning Optical Fiber
Inspection and cleaning of LC, ST, SC and MPO connectors and adapters requires the appropriate equipment. 1)Fiber Scope. Handheld manual at a minimum, or ideally an electronic viewer that can not only display but also record the results. 2)Cleaners. Currently the most...