Maintaining Fiber-Optic Cables in EX Series Switches

Fiber-optic cables connect to optical transceivers that are installed in EX Series switches.

To maintain fiber-optic cables:

• When you unplug a fiber-optic cable from a transceiver, place rubber safety caps over the transceiver and on the end of the cable.
• Anchor fiber-optic cables to avoid stress on the connectors. When attaching a fiber-optic cable to a transceiver, be sure to secure the fiber-optic cable so that it is not supporting its own weight as it hangs to the floor. Never let a fiber-optic cable hang free from the connector.
• Avoid bending fiber-optic cables beyond their minimum bend radius. Bending fiber-optic cables into arcs smaller than a few inches in diameter can damage the cables and cause problems that are difficult to diagnose.
• Frequent plugging and unplugging of fiber-optic cables in and out of optical instruments can damage the instruments, which are expensive to repair. Attach a short fiber extension to the optical equipment. Any wear and tear due to frequent plugging and unplugging is then absorbed by the short fiber extension, which is easier and less expensive to replace than the instruments.
• Keep fiber-optic cable connections clean. Micro-deposits of oil and dust in the canal of the transceiver or cable connector can cause loss of light, reduction in signal power, and possibly intermittent problems with the optical connection.

  To clean the transceiver canal, use an appropriate fiber-cleaning device such as RIFOCS Fiber Optic Adaptor Cleaning Wands (part number 946). Follow the directions in the cleaning kit you use.

  After cleaning the transceiver, make sure that the connector tip of the fiber-optic cable is clean. Use only an approved alcohol-free fiber-optic cable cleaning kit such as the Opptex Cletop-S® Fiber Cleaner. Follow the directions in the cleaning kit you use.