HP 83481A, User Manual, Page: 29 / 98

The Instrument at a Glance
Lightwave Connector Care
Cleaning non-lensed lightwave connectors
Equipment The following is a list of the items that should be used to clean non-lensed
lightwave connectors .
Isopropyl alcohol : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : HP part number 8500-5344
Cotton swabs : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : HP part number 8520-0023
Compressed air : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : HP part number 8500-5262
C A U T I O N
Hewlett-P ackard recommends that you do not use any type of foam swab to
clean optical ber ends . F oam swabs can leave lmy deposits on ber ends
that can degrade performance .
Process Before cleaning the ber end, clean the ferrules and other parts of the
connector . Use isopropyl alcohol, clean cotton swabs , and clean compressed
air . Then use alcohol to clean the ber end. Some amount of wiping or mild
scrubbing of the ber end can help remove particles when application of
alcohol alone will not remove them. This can be done by applying the alcohol
to a cotton swab and moving it back and forth across the ber end several
times . This technique can help remove or displace particles smaller than one
micron.
Allow the connector to dry (about a minute) or dry it immediately with clean
compressed air . Compressed air lessens the chance of deposits remaining on
the ber end after the alcohol evaporates . It should be blown horizontally
across the ber end. Visually inspect the ber end for stray cotton bers . As
soon as the connector is dry , the connection should be made .
C A U T I O N
Inverting the compressed air canister while spraying will produce residue on
the sprayed surface . Refer to instructions provided on the compressed air
canister .
1-17