Rockwell Automation 2090-xxx Fiber Optic Cable Installation and Handling Instructions - Manual (Page 7)

Fiber Optic Cable Installation and Handling Instructions 7
Publication 2090-IN010C-EN-P – April 2005
Cleaning Techniques for Fiber Optic Cables
Proper cleaning of the fiber optic cable ends and transceivers is essential to
minimize system attenuation. Dirty fiber optic cables cross contaminate
their mating transceivers. Conversely a dirty transceiver contaminates its
mating fiber optic cable.
There are a variety of ways to clean fiber optic components. Readily available
prepackaged wipes, swabs and, canned air are suitable. Always choose an
optical grade cleaner for these purposes.
Cleaning Fiber Optic Cable Ends
Use a wet wipe to loosen particles on the end of the cable connector using a
circular or straight wiping motion while using care to avoid wiping over area
of pad that has already been used. Do not use a back and forth scrubbing
action. Always use a clean area of the swab for each connector. When in
doubt use a fresh wipe. Follow up the wet wipe cleaning with a dry wipe to
remove any residue. Use canned air to remove any lint from the cable end.
Cleaning Fiber Optic Transceivers
Choose an optical grade lint free swab that fits easily into the transceiver
barrel. Under some conditions a fast evaporating optical cleaning solvent
may be used to saturate the swab (e.g., 99% pure alcohol). The swab should
be gently placed into the barrel of the connector and rotate no more than
one turn. DO NOT rotate back-and-forth or round-and-round because this
could grind debris into the transceiver. The swabs should only be used
ONCE. Use a dry clean swab and insert into barrel and rotate once. Discard
swab. Use canned air to blow out the barrel.
Chemtronics and Coventry are just some of the manufacturers of suitable
cleaning swabs and wipes.
• Newark Electronics:
92N4770 Fiber Clean Dispense System (cleaning cloth/tape)
• Contact East supplies:
Optic Wipes part # 127-734
Fiber Optic Swabs part # 416-761