• Do not look into an unmated fiber or at any mirror-like surface that could reflect light that is emitted
from an unterminated fiber.
• Do not view an activated fiber with optical instruments such as eye loupes, magnifiers, or microscopes.
• Use safety-approved optical fiber cable to maintain compliance with applicable laser safety requirements.
Connector cleanliness is crucially important for optimum results in fiber optic communications links. Even
the smallest amount of foreign material can make it impossible to obtain the expected insertion and return
losses. This can reduce the range of the equipment, shorten its expected service life, and possibly prevent the
link from initializing at all.
New equipment is supplied with clean optical connectors and bulkheads. Clean these connectors and bulkheads
in the field only if you observe and can verify an optical output problem.
Connectors and Bulkheads
Most fiber optic connectors are of the physical contact (PC) type. PC type connectors are designed to touch
their mating connector to prevent air gaps, which cause reflections. For optimum performance, all dirt must
be removed.
Bulkheads can also become dirty enough to affect performance, either from airborne dust or from contamination
introduced by connectors.
Avoid damage to your eyes! Do not look into any optical connector while the system is active. Even if the
unit is off, there may still be hazardous optical levels present.
Warning
Read the above warning before performing cleaning procedures.
Note
Cleaning Connectors
It is important that all external jumper connectors be cleaned before inserting them into the optical module.
Follow these steps to clean fiber optic connectors that will be connected to the optical module:
Before you begin, remove optical power from the module or ensure that optical power has been removed.
Important
1. Inspect the connector through an optical connector scope. If the connector is damaged, e.g., scratched,
burned, etc., replace the jumper.
2. If the connector is dirty but otherwise undamaged, clean the connector as follows:
1. Make several swipes across the face of the connector with the appropriate ferrule cleaner. This will
remove dust and some films.
2. Listen for a slight "squeak" typically generated during this process, indicating a clean connector.
3. Inspect the connector again through the scope to confirm that it is clean.
Maintenance
12
Maintenance
Connectors and Bulkheads
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