MXS-9100 Optical Switch Rackmount Operation Manual
91592 Rev. A2
June 21, 2019
29
Storing Optical Connectors
All switches that include optical connectors are shipped with dust caps covering those optical
connectors. Optical connectors should remain covered at all times when the instrument is not
in use.
Cleaning Optical Connectors
Clean any exposed connector using a cleaning kit supplied by the connector manufacturer or
high-grade isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. To clean with alcohol and a swab, dab the
tip of a cotton swab in alcohol and then shake off any excess alcohol. The tip should be
moist, not dripping wet. Stroke the swab tip gently across the surface of the connector and
around the connector ferrule. Either allow the connector a minute to dry, or blow-dry the
connector using compressed air. Be careful when using compressed air: improper use may
deposit a spray residue on the connector.
Mating Optical Connectors
Follow these instructions when mating optical connectors.
•
Clean both connectors prior to mating. Any small particles trapped during the mating
process can permanently damage the connector.
•
Smoothly insert the appropriate connector ferrule into the adapter. Do not allow the
fiber tip to contact any surface. If the tip accidentally contacts a surface before mating,
stop. Re-clean the connector and try again.
•
Tighten the connector until it is finger tight or to the torque specified by the connector
manufacturer. Do not over-tighten the connector as this can lead to optical loss and
connector damage.
•
Check the optical insertion loss. If the loss is unacceptable, remove the connector, re-
clean both ends of the mate, and reconnect them. You may have to repeat this
process several times before a low-loss connection is made.
•
After you make the connection, monitor the stability of the optical throughput for a few
minutes. Optical power trending (slowly increasing or decreasing) is caused by the
slow evaporation of alcohol trapped in the connector. Continue to monitor optical
power until it stabilizes. If the loss is unacceptable, re-clean the connectors and start
again.
