The Two Ways Of Cleaning Fiber Optic Connectors

A fiber optic connector is a device that terminates the end of an optic fiber. The device aids in enabling quicker connection and disconnection. It also aligns the fiber cores so that light can pass. Due to the importance of the device, it's paramount that you maintain it in proper working condition. This calls for you to clean it properly.

There are two main ways of cleaning the connectors: dry and wet cleaning.

Dry cleaning

Dry cleaning usually removes airborne contamination. Here you need to use a reel-based cassette cleaner to clean the connector. Using medium pressure, you should wipe the connector's end face against a dry cleaning cloth. To avoid contamination and destruction, you should wipe the end face only once.

If you have an angled physical contact (APC) polished connector, you should be careful and ensure that the end face comes into contact with the cleaning cloth. After cleaning the device you should inspect it for contamination.

Other than using reel-based cassettes in cleaning the connectors, you can also use single fiber in bulkhead cleaners (I.B.C) that are usually designed for both physical contact (PC) and angled physical contact (APC) polished connectors. These devices usually feed a cleaning cloth across a head while the head rotates.

To clean the device you need to first install the device into a clean adapter then insert the cleaner tip. After doing this you should press the lever in order to initiate the cleaning process. Again you should inspect the connector's end face for contamination after cleaning.

Wet cleaning

Wet cleaning is more aggressive than dry cleaning and as a result it tends to remove both airborne contamination and light oil residues. Here you need to lightly moisten a portion of a lint free wipe with a fiber optic cleaning solution.

The solution can be 91% Isopropyl Alcohol or any other solution that won't damage the connector. With medium pressure you should first wipe the end face against a wet area and then onto a dry area.

If you have an APC polished connector, you should be cautious and ensure that the entire end face surface comes into contact with the cleaning wipes. To ensure that the connector is not contaminated, you should thoroughly inspect it before use.

Conclusion

These are the two most common ways of cleaning fiber optic cleaners. When cleaning the devices you should ensure that you clean them using high quality solutions.