Optical Routing Installation Guide

Appendix C Handling and cleaning fiber optic equipment 51
Installation and Networking Guidelines for Optical Routing
Before connecting them to transmission equipment, test equipment, patch panels,
or other connectors, clean all fiber optic connectors. The performance of an
optical fiber connector depends on how clean the connector and coupling are at
the time of connection. Use the following cleaning procedures when analyzing
fiber connector integrity.
If a connector performs poorly after cleaning, visually inspect the connector to
determine the possible cause of the problem and to determine if it needs replacing.
Cleaning Single SC and FC Connectors
To clean single SC and FC connectors:
1 Remove dust or debris by applying canned air to the cylindrical and end-face
surfaces of the connector.
2 Gently wipe the cylindrical and end-face surfaces with a pad or a wipe
dampened with optical-grade isopropyl alcohol.
3 Gently wipe the cylindrical and end-face surfaces with a dry, lint-free tissue.
Danger: To avoid eye irritation on contact, wear safety glasses when
working with isopropyl alcohol.
Caution: To prevent further contamination, clean fiber optic equipment
only when there is evidence of contamination.
Caution: To prevent contamination, make sure the optical ports of all
active devices are covered with a dust cap or optical connector.
Caution: To avoid the transfer of oil or other contaminants from your
fingers to the end face of the ferrule, handle connectors with care.