Maintenance and Handing Instructions
9-3
9.2. Maintenance
9.2.1.
Arc Check
Perform an arc check whenever high splice losses are observed (see 7.1.1).
9.2.2.
Electrode Maintenance
Inspect the electrodes for dirt, worn-out and damage before using the fusion splicer. Dust and other particles can
be cleaned off by removing the electrodes from the splicing mechanism and polishing the surface of each
electrode with the electrode sharpener. Over the course of normal operation, the electrodes can be cleaned &
maintained for up to 5,000 splices.
Replace the electrodes if any of the following conditions exist:
an electrode is bent
an electrode end has become extremely rounded
abnormal noise occurs during fusion splicing
When the Arc Counter number exceeds 5,000, the S178 Ver.2 automatically displays a message to prompt
replacing the electrodes at power on. Turn off the switch and replace or clean the electrodes by using the
electrode sharpener. The S178 Ver.2 asks if the electrodes are replaced after prompting the action. Select
“Yes” if
replaced and
“No” if not. When “Yes” is selected, the Arc Counter is reset to 0 and the message will not appear at
power on. When
“No” is selected, the prompting message will be displayed again when power is turned on.
Always replace or clean both electrodes, even if only one electrode is damaged.
Be sure to turn off the Power switch before starting maintenance. Never touch the electrode while the Power
is on.
Longer arc duration used in dissimilar fiber
splicing requires the electrodes to be cleaned
and replaced more often. Frequent electrode
maintenance is recommended for dissimilar fiber
splicing programs.
1. Loosen the screws of the Holding Plates, and
raise the plates. The Electrode is raised together
with the holding plate. Be careful not to drop the
Electrodes into the machine.
2. Carefully pull and remove the Electrodes from the
Holding Plates by grasping the Electrode Knob.
Make sure nothing touches the Electrodes tips.
3. Clean or discard the Electrodes, as necessary.
How to clean the Electrodes by using the
electrode sharpener.
a) Firmly stick the tip of an electrode (approx. 0.5
– 1.0 mm) into the electrode sharpener and turn/twist the
electrode 3-4 times.
Attention: Don
’t grasp the electrode knob (if possible, grasp a section of the electrode rod).
b) In an effort to clean the electrode tip, wipe it softly with BEMCOT dipping ethyl alcohol.
< Attention >
You can use all faces of the electrode sharpener.
Extreme treatment distorts the electrode tip and can possibly move the knob position.
Electrode
sharpener
Front side (High Voltage)
Electrode knob
Electrode knob
V-groove
Holding plate
Holding plate
Screw
Screw
Electrode base
Rear side (Low Voltage)
Electrode base
