Fiber cleaning
Overview
This procedure describes the Alcatel-Lucent recommended method for the cleaning and
inspection of optical connectors using specific tools and materials that have been proven
to be effective in the assembly and testing of optical transmission equipment. It is critical
that the connector end faces are clean and free from particular contamination to assure
proper performance and reliability of lightwave systems. With the modern high-speed,
high-power and wider bandwidth optical transmission systems, clean connectors along
the optical path are absolutely essential for successful operation.
Before working with optical fiber cables please observe the following safety warnings:
DANGER
Laser hazard
ever look into the end of an exposed fiber or plug-in optical connectors as long as the
optical source is switched on.
NOTICE
Cable break
To avoid cable break ensure that the bending radius of optical fiber cables is not less than
38 mm [1.5 inches] or 20 times the diameter of the cable (whichever is greater).
Cleaning of optical connectors
Optical connectors are only to be cleaned in accordance with the cleaning instructions
listed below.
If impurities are assumed, the use of a fiberscope is recommended in order to check the
connector face for impurities (e.g. fluff, dust particles). A fiberscope with a magnification
x 200 is preferred.
Connectors
If impurities are discovered, the optical connector must be cleaned in accordance with the
following rules:
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
1
Wipe off the connector face
lengthwise
(not with a circular motion) using a
smooth
tissue
(
moistened
with isopropanol).
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
2
Wipe off the connector face
lengthwise
(not with a circular motion) using a
dry and
smooth
tissue.
Installation trouble shooting
Fiber cleaning
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
B-8
Alcatel-Lucent – Internal
Proprietary – Use pursuant to Company instruction
365-313-103R8.0
Issue 2
July 2009