Installation Instructions

A damaged or dirty connector can damage the paired connector. A connector must be
absolutely clean before you insert it into a transmitter or receiver.
Never clean an optical connector while it carries light. Optical power can cause ignition of the
cleaning material when it contacts the end of the optical connector and destroy the connector.
Typical cleaning materials, for example, tissues saturated with alcohol, combust almost
instantaneously after you expose them to optical power levels of +15 dBm or higher.
Visually inspect the connector to determine cleanliness and to determine if it needs
replacement. You must replace a connector that has a scratch across the core, or a scratch
that appears to end in the core.
The proper connector cleaning method depends on the connector contaminants:
• Judge cleanliness by visual inspection with a fiber microscope. First inspect the
connector, and then clean as required.
Danger:
Risk of eye injury
When you inspect a connector, ensure that light sources are off. The light source in
fiber optic cables can damage your eyes.
• If you suspect only the possibility of dust particles (for example, which can occur when
you leave a connector uncapped in a clean environment), use high-quality canned air or
a reel cleaner (for example, a Cletop) to clean the connector. A reel cleaner is a good
choice to ensure that no dust contaminates the connector.
• If the connector is visibly dirty or you suspect it to be contaminated by chemicals (for
example, matching gel), use high-quality alcohol and canned air to clean the connector.
This method is the most thorough cleaning method. In some cases, a reel cleaner can
suffice.
The more surface manipulation you apply to the connector, the more likely the connector is to
become damaged.
When you insert a connector ferrule into a connector or adapter, ensure that the ferrule tip
does not touch the outside of the mating connector or adapter. This can produce scratches
and dirt deposits on the connector.
To help prevent connectors from collecting dust, cover them when not in use. To avoid the
transfer of oil or other contaminants from your fingers to the end face of the ferrule, handle
connectors with care. Do not touch the connector end face.
Cleaning single connectors
Clean connectors so that the optical signal is minimally attenuated by the connector.
This procedure is appropriate when you suspect more than dust contamination.
Care of fiber optic equipment
Installation — SFP and SFP+ transceivers January 2014 21