Datasheet

ITW CHEMTRONICS

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Application Sheet

Cleaning 1.25mm and 2.5mm Fiber Optic

Backplane Connections using Precision Swabs

APS: FOBACKPLANE2

The Need For Cleaning

The need to clean fiber optic connectors is well documented. The more difficult operation is

cleaning the backplane end-face. This end-face, located on the backside of the alignment

sleeve, is subject to contamination from the patch cord connection. The simple action of

removing this connection can create a vacuum that enables airborne dust to enter this

connection, causing soils to accumulate around the ferrules in the alignment sleeve. This

contamination will then be transferred within the alignment sleeve to the patch cord ferrule.

Clean both sides of these connections each time they are disconnected in field installations,

central office and OEM installation, or service applications. Contamination can cause signal

attenuation or, in worst-case reports, complete interruption of the signal.

The Better Way

When cleaning the backplane connection if the jumper on the internal side is accessible, it is

preferred to clean both internal backplane and external ‘jumper-side’ connection as described in

Application Sheet # FO-APC4/QBE, “Cleaning Angled Physical Connector (APC) End Faces

with the QbE

Cleaning System”. This outlines the use of the QbE

Cleaning System and

Electro-Wash

PX Fiber Optic Cleaner with the Combination Cleaning process (CCp™).

When the internal backplane connection is not accessible, highly effective cleaning is

accomplished with the Coventry™ 1.25 mm Fiber Optic Swab (Part number 25123X), or the

Coventry™ 2.5 mm Precision Fiber Optic Swab (Part number 25183) in combination with a

small amount of Electro-Wash

PX Fiber Optic Cleaner. Alternatively, use of the Coventry™ 2.5

mm Fiber Optic Foam Swab in combination with a small amount of Electro-Wash

PX Fiber

Optic Cleaner will remove all contamination. It is important not to over-saturate the backplane by

spraying or dipping any solvent on a precision swab. Excess solvent can accumulate and

become exceptionally difficult to dry in the hidden areas of backplane connections.

This effective cleaning method is described

below:

1) Remove the patch cord from the bulkhead.

2) Lightly moisten the Fiber Optic Swab by

spotting a small amount of Electro-Wash

PX onto the QbE

. Dab/tap the swab onto

the wetted area. Hold the tip of the swab

in the moist area for a count of 1-2-3-4-5.

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ITW CHEMTRONICS® APS: FOBACKPLANE2 Application Sheet Cleaning 1.25mm and 2.5mm Fiber Optic Backplane Connections using Precision Swabs The Need For Cleaning The need to clean fiber optic connectors is well documented. The more difficult operation is cleaning the backplane end-face. This end-face, located on the backside of the alignment sleeve, is subject to contamination from the patch cord connection.
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3) Insert the swab into the connector, press lightly against the connector, twist 2-3 times and remove. 4) Dry with a second swab. 5) Reinsert the patch cord and test for signal strength. Re-clean as necessary. Availability: Coventry™ 2.5 mm Precision Fiber Optic Swab 25183 100 - 2.5mm swabs per bag 25184 5 - 2.5mm swabs per bag Coventry™ 1.25 mm Fiber Optic Swab 25123X 100 -1.25mm swabs per bag Coventry™ 2.5 mm Fiber Optic Foam Swab 48040 500 - 2.