This cleaning procedure applies to the optional VFL port on the WaveTester optical power meter. For more information about
cleaning the DETECTOR port on the WaveTester, see page 23.
Required Accessories:
=
Isopropyl alcohol (91% or better)
=
In-adapter fiber optic cleaning accessories, such as 2.5mm cleaning swabs or 2.5mm HUXCleaner™
=
In-adapter fiber optic inspection scope (200x magnification or greater recommended)
=
Compressed Air (optional)
Below are procedures for “wet” cleaning and “dry” cleaning. For best results, a combination of these cleaning methods is
recommended.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: WHEN INSPECTING AN OPTICAL PORT, NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
INTO THE PORT WITHOUT SUFFICIENT EYE PROTECTION. THE OPTICAL PORT MAY BE ENERGIZED WITH
POWERFUL INVISIBLE RADIATION THAT IS HARMFUL TO THE HUMAN EYE.
INVISIBLE LIGHT IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS SINCE THE EYE IS NOT AWARE OF EXPOSURE TO HARMFUL
INVISIBLE ENERGY, AND BECOMES INCREASINGLY DANGEROUS WITH PROLONGED EXPOSURE.
TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE TO OPTICAL ENERGY, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO POWER OFF
EQUIPMENT BEFORE INSPECTING OPTICAL PORTS.
IT IS ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO USE AN LCD-BASED FIBER INSPECTION SCOPE, WHICH CAN
INSPECT OPTICAL PORTS AND FIBER ENDFACES WITHOUT EXPOSING THE EYE TO HARMFUL OPTICAL
RADIATION.
OPERATION/MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE OPTIONAL VFL PORT
“WET” CLEAN PROCEDURE
Wet the tip of a 2.5mm cleaning swab with isopropyl
alcohol.
Carefully insert the wet tip of the swab into the optical
port.
Clean out the optical port according to the directions
provided with the swabs.
Blow dry the optical port with the compressed air. If
compressed air is not available, allow 2 minutes for
the alcohol to evaporate.
Inspect the optical port with the in-adapter fiber optic
inspection scope to ensure the port is clear of
obstructions.
If the port is still dirty, another round of cleaning will be
necessary. You may also want to use a combination of “wet”
and “dry” cleaning to achieve best results.
“DRY” CLEAN PROCEDURE
Carefully insert a dry 2.5mm cleaning swab or a
2.5mm HUXCleaner™ into the optical port.
Clean out the optical port according to the directions
that came with the cleaning accessories.
Inspect the optical port with the in-adapter fiber optic
inspection scope to ensure the port is clear of
obstructions.
If the port is still dirty, another round of cleaning will be
necessary. You may also want to use a combination of “wet”
and “dry” cleaning to achieve best results.
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