Fiber-Optic Connector Cleaning
For proper performance of PICs that use SC fiber-optic cable, you must clean the fiber-optic transceivers before inserting SC cable.
Because of the high sensitivity of fiber-optic PIC receivers, you must keep the PIC connectors clean and free of dust. Small micro-deposits of oil and dust in the canal of the SC connector could cause loss of light, reducing signal power and possibly causing intermittent problems with the optical connection. Figure 93 shows the oil and dust that collects in the SC connector canals.
Keep the connectors clean using an appropriate fiber-cleaning device, such as RIFOCS Fiber Optic Adaptor Cleaning Wands (part number 946). Follow the directions for the cleaning kit you use. Figure 94 shows the proper cleaning procedure.
After you have cleaned the optical transceiver area of the fiber-optic PIC, make sure that the SC connector tip of the fiber-optic cable is clean.
To clean the fiber-optic cable SC connection, use only an approved alcohol-free fiber-optic cable cleaning kit such as the Opptex Cletop-S Fiber Cleaner. Follow the directions for the cleaning kit you use. Figure 95 shows a cable cleaning kit.
