Fluke DTX-1800, Technical Reference Handbook

Page: 217 / 398

Certifying Fiber Optic Cabling
Essentials for Reliable Fiber Test Results
8-9
8
Essentials for Reliable Fiber Test Results
To get reliable fiber test results, you must follow proper
cleaning and referencing procedures and, in some cases,
use mandrels during testing.
Cleaning Connectors and Adapters
Always clean and inspect fiber connectors before making
connections. Use fiber optic solvent and optical-grade wipes
or swabs to clean connectors as follows:
Cleaning Bulkhead Connectors and the Fiber Module's
Output Connector
Note
Use a 2.5 mm foam swab for cleaning the fiber
module's output connector.
Cleaning Bulkhead Connectors
1 Touch the tip of a fiber optic solvent pen or swab
soaked in solvent to a lint-free dry wipe or fiber
cleaning card.
2 Touch a new, dry swab to the solvent spot on the wipe
or card. Push the swab into the connector, twist it
around 3 to 5 times against the end-face, then remove
and dispose of the swab.
3 Dry the connector with a dry swab by twisting it around
in the connector 3 to 5 times.
4 Inspect connectors with a fiber microscope, such as the
Fluke Networks FiberInspector Video Microscope before
making connections.
Cleaning the Fiber Module's Input Connector
1 Remove the connector adapter to expose the
photodiode lens (see page 8-7).
2 Use the method described in steps 1 and 2 above to
dampen a swab with fiber optic solvent.
3 Twist the damp swab around against the lens 3 to 5
times; then twist a dry swab around against the lens 3
to 5 times.
Cleaning Connector Adapters and Fiber Adapters
Periodically clean connector adapters and fiber adapters
with a swab and alcohol. Dry with a dry swab before use.