
Chapter 3
3-9
Gauging and Making Connections
General Cleaning Procedures
General Cleaning Procedures
Using Compressed Air or Nitrogen
WARNING
Wear protective eye covering at all times when using
compressed air or nitrogen.
Use compressed air or nitrogen to loosen particles on the connector
mating plane surfaces. Clean air cannot damage a connector or leave
particles or residues behind.
You can use any source of clean, dry, low-pressure compressed air or
nitrogen that has an effective oil-vapor filter and liquid condensation
trap placed just before the outlet hose. Ground the hose nozzle to
prevent electrostatic discharge, and set the air pressure to 414 kPa
(60 psi) or less. High velocity air can cause electrostatic effects when
directed into a connector.
Cleaning the Connector Threads
CAUTION
This procedure assumes you have taken the necessary ESD
precautions. Refer to
“Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)” on page 3-3
for a
description of ESD precautions.
For dirt or stubborn contaminants on a connector that you cannot
remove with compressed air or nitrogen, try a cleaning swab or lint-free
cleaning cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
To clean the connector threads:
1. Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a cleaning swab or
lint-free cleaning cloth.
2. Clean the connector threads.
3. Let the alcohol evaporate, then blow the threads dry with a gentle
stream of clean, low-pressure compressed air or nitrogen.
Cleaning the Mating Plane and Interior Surfaces
Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a new cleaning swab and
clean the mating plane and interior surfaces.
If the connector has a center conductor, use very short horizontal or
vertical strokes (across the connector), and the least pressure possible,