Removing an SFP

Warning: Do not look directly into transceivers or into the ends of fiber-optic cables connected to a transceiver. Fiber-optic transceivers emit laser light that can damage your eyes.

Caution: When handling fiber-optic transceivers and fiber-optic cable, observe the following precautions: Do not leave a fiber-optic transceiver uncovered except when inserting or removing cable. The safety cap keeps the port clean and prevents accidental exposure to laser light. Do not bend fiber-optic cable beyond its minimum bend radius. An arc smaller than a few inches in diameter can damage the cable and cause problems that are difficult to diagnose. Do not let fiber-optic cable hang free from the connector. Do not allow fastened loops of cable to dangle, which stresses the cable at the fastening point.

To remove an SFP (see Figure 62):

1. Place an electrostatic bag or antistatic mat on a flat, stable surface to receive the SFP. Have ready a rubber safety cap for the SFP transceiver and the cable.
2. Attach an electrostatic discharge (ESD) grounding strap to your bare wrist and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis. Verify that the router is attached to a proper earth ground. For more information about ESD, see Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage.
3. Label the cable connected to the SFP so that you can later reconnect it to the correct SFP.
4. Disconnect the cable from the SFP. Immediately cover the transceiver and the end of the cable with a rubber safety cap.
5. Arrange the cable in the cable management system to prevent it from dislodging or developing stress points. Secure the cable so that it is not supporting its own weight as it hangs to the floor. Place excess cable out of the way in a neatly coiled loop in the cable management system. Placing fasteners on the loop helps to maintain its shape.
6. Pull the ejector handle away from the SFP faceplate to unseat the SFP from the PIC. Pull the SFP out of the PIC and place it on the antistatic mat or in the electrostatic bag.