Megger SCT-MMA, User Manual, Page: 10 / 37

5
Getting started
Cleaning Connectors and Adapters
It is important that fiber optic patch cords, fiber under test and adapters are clean prior to testing. Always clean and inspect fiber
connectors prior to testing. Fiber contamination can scratch the glass surfaces, degrade optical power, cause misalignment or cause back
reflections leading to possible instability in a laser sources.
Cleaning Patch Cord and Fiber Connector End Faces
Megger recommends using a cartridge or pocket style dry cleaner to clean fiber optic cable connector end faces. Follow the cartridge or
pocket style dry cleaner manufacturer’s directions.
Alternate Dry Cleaning Method Using Lint-Free Wipes
 Ensure all LED and Laser sources are off
 Fold the wipe into a square about 4 to 8 layers thick.

Wipe the end face in a figure 8 motion, applying light pressure only on the center portion of the wipe. Heavy pressure can cause
scratches and more contamination.

Repeat the figure 8 motion on another clean portion of the wipe.

Properly dispose of the wipe. Never reuse a wipe.
Alternate Wet Cleaning Method Using Lint-Free Wipes
If a dry cleaning procedure does not remove the dirt from the fiber end face, then try the wet cleaning method. When using isopropyl
alcohol it is important to completely remove all of the alcohol from the end face. Residual liquid alcohol can trap loose dirt. Isopropyl
alcohol that evaporates slowly can leave residual material making it more difficult to clean off without another wet cleaning.
 Ensure all LED and Laser sources are off

Fold the wipe into a square about 4 to 8 layers thick.

Moisten one section of the wipe with one drop of 99% pure isopropyl alcohol, leaving a portion of the wipe dry.
 Wipe the end face in the alcohol moistened portion of the wipe with a figure 8 motion, applying light pressure only. Heavy pressure
can cause scratches and more contamination.
 Immediately wipe the end face in the dry portion of the wipe with a figure 8 motion, applying light pressure only. Heavy pressure
can cause scratches and more contamination.

Properly dispose of the wipe. Never reuse a wipe.
Cleaning Connector Adapters
When using isopropyl alcohol it is important to completely remove all of the alcohol from the end face. Residual liquid alcohol can trap
loose dirt. Isopropyl alcohol that evaporates slowly can leave residual material making it more difficult to clean off without another wet
cleaning.
 Place one drop of 99% pure isopropyl alcohol on an appropriate size swab, do not over saturate the swab.

Lightly insert the dampened swab into the connector.

Turn the swab several complete revolutions in the same direction.
 Remove the dampened swab and insert a second dry second dry swab to remove any alcohol that remains.
 Turn the dry swab several complete revolutions in the same direction.

Properly dispose of the wet and dry swab. Never reuse a swab.