FIBER OPTIC CLEANING GUIDELINES
Fiber Optic transmitters and receivers are extremely susceptible
to contamination by particles of dirt or dust, which can obstruct
the optic path and cause performance degradation. Good
system performance requires clean optics and connector
ferrules.
1.
Use fiber patch cords (or connectors, if you terminate your
own fiber) only from a reputable supplier; low-quality
components can cause many hard-to-diagnose problems in
an installation.
2.
Dust caps are installed at B&B Electronics to ensure factory-
clean optical devices. These protective caps should not be
removed until the moment of connecting the fiber cable to
the device. Should it be necessary to disconnect the fiber
device, reinstall the protective dust caps.
3.
Store spare caps in a dust-free environment such as a
sealed plastic bag or box so that when reinstalled they do
not introduce any contamination to the optics.
4.
If you suspect that the optics have been contaminated,
alternate between blasting with clean, dry, compressed air
and flushing with methanol to remove particles of dirt.
12
