Fiber Cable Cleaning Instructions

When cleaning fiber optic cables, safety is paramount. Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as eye protection with side shields and avoid direct contact with cleaning solvents like isopropyl alcohol. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes. Handle fibers and tools carefully to avoid breakage, which can result in sharp ends. Proper disposal of used materials, especially those soaked in solvents, is crucial. Follow manufacturer guidelines and industry standards for cleaning procedures to ensure both personal safety and the integrity of the fiber optic components. Familiarize yourself with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemicals youre using, and always follow safe handling procedures. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the work area to prevent contamination or accidental ingestion of fiber fragments. Keep a safe distance from spark hazards or heat sources and clean your workspace thoroughly at the end of the day

Cleaning Methods and Acceptable Practices

Ensuring cleanliness in fiber optic connections is critical for high-quality installations. Regular inspection and cleaning of fiber optic connectors are necessary. A thorough cleaning process must eectively remove various types of contaminants consistently. The international standard IEC 61300-3-35 provides specific criteria for inspecting connector contamination and defects. If a connector fails inspection or testing equipment is unavailable, it should be cleaned using a comprehensive process. Re-inspection is advisable before making the connection if the connector passes the inspection.

Dry Cleaning Method

Dry cleaning optical connectors, although common, poses risks. It's less eective in soil removal compared to wet methods using solvents. Moreover, dry wiping generates static electricity, attracting more contaminants, as shown in laboratory experiments and field observations. This static charge can be mitigated by exposing the connector to deionized air or more eectively, by using static dissipative solvents with specialized cleaning materials, which add chemical action and eliminate static concerns

Preferred Method

Ensure a calm environment with little to no air movement when cleaning fiber optic cables. Clean surrounding areas first with isopropyl alcohol (acetone or semiconductor-grade IPA, 99% or better. See Workplace Exposure Limits at the end of this document.) on a lint-free rag, avoiding dust dispersal. Use compressed air that is specially formulated to minimize the introduction of moisture or chemicals.

Before making any connections, thoroughly clean the fiber contacts on both the tester and the cable. Use the one-click micro-fiber tool found in Clark Wire and Cables' fiber-optic microphone cleaning kit (FOT-SCPD). This ensures that both ends are free of contaminants, which is crucial for reliable and accurate testing. Do not use alcohol to clean the ferrule endface. Doing so may leave a residual layer on the endface, resulting in compromised performance.

Steps

1. For cleaning, use a cleanroom swab or wipe. Moisten the swab in the solvent, then gently wipe the fiber end face in one direction. Rotate the swab for a second pass, avoiding reuse to prevent scratches.
2. With the power off on both units (see safety warning above), inspect the contacts with a microscope include fiber-optic microscope cleaning kit (Part Number FOT-SCPD).
3. Re-inspect the fiber components. Repeat the first step if necessary.

Recommended Products

Fiber video-scope cleaning kit - FOT-SCPD

The fiber optic microscope cleaning kit is designed for inspecting and cleaning various fiber contacts, including Lemo SMPTE 304M connectors. It features an inspection probe and a display unit for image analysis. The kit is equipped with multiple positioner tips for dierent ferrule sizes and for inspecting mated contacts in several coupler types. It also includes essential accessories like microfiber cleaners and a carrying case, oering a practical solution for field maintenance of fiber optic connections.

Fiber tester - CWT-SMPTE

This tester is a specialized two-piece testing set for SMPTE 304/311 camera cable assemblies, analyzing both their fiber and copper components. It measures fiber power loss in dB and identifies opens and shorts in the copper elements. The results are displayed on a color touchscreen, enhancing ease of use and readability.

Acetone Worplace Exsposure Limits