Datasheet

Save valuable time inspecting fiber
FiberInspector Pro and FiberInspector Mini
video microscopes give you superior
vision into your network by enabling you
to inspect all types of fiber in switches,
routers, interface cards, patch panels, wall
outlets and patch cables. They save time by
eliminating the need to access the back of
patch panels or disassemble hardware devices
for inspection. Instead of removing each
individual fiber, you only need to insert the
video probe to inspect the end-face while
it is still in place. This is the only practical
way to inspect many hardware devices,
where disassembly is not a realistic option.
Plus, the FiberInspector mircoscopes never
touch the termination so there’s no risk of
contamination or damage.
Ultimate tool for challenging
environments
The FiberInspector Pro is the ultimate
inspection tool. Its 3.5” screen provides
a larger image from its dual magnification
probe. The small probe fits in the palm of
your hand and can be switched between 250x
and 400x magnification with the turn of a
dial. The Pro unit also has a protective boot
for rougher outdoor
environments and
offers a greater
range of adapter
tips for specialized
applications, such
as multi-fiber
connectors.
Capture images for storage
and reports
The FiberInspector Pro dual magnification
probe can be attached to the OptiFiber® OTDR
or the OptiView
TM
Integrated Network Analyzer
to save and store images for reference and
report generation. Use these captured images
to prove the condition of the installation or
as future reference if problems arise.
Proper cleaning of contaminants
Once end-face contamination is discovered,
proper procedures are required to eliminate
it. Shirtsleeves are not acceptable! In fact,
improper cleaning processes are not only
ineffective, but also potentially damaging.
Though canned air has been used for years to
blast dust away, it will not dislodge smaller
static-charged particles. Also, it can leave
behind propellants and tends to blow larger
particles around rather than remove them.
Proper fiber optic end-face cleaning involves
two key components: specialized solvent and
lint-free wipes or swabs.
Clean wet and finish dry
Always use proper solvent in conjunction
with either a wipe for a patch cord or a swab
for a port. Solvent is required to dissolve any
one of the many contaminants that may be
present, such as finger oil or buffer gel.
Further, wiping an end-face with just a dry
wipe or swab can generate static electricity
that draws more dust out of the air onto the
end-face. Even worse, a dry wipe can drag
debris across the end-face causing damage.
Effective solvents will act as a lubricant for
the safe removal of debris. Conversely, using
too much solvent or only a wet application
will result in the leftover solvent drying
out and leaving behind the dissolved
contaminants as a residue. Best practice is
to clean wet and finish dry. After cleaning,
always inspect the end-face again before
insertion to guarantee all contaminants were
removed. If necessary, repeat your cleaning
steps to remove any lingering soils not
removed by the first cycle.
Effective cleaning requires
specialized solvent
For years, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was used to
clean fiber end-faces, but now there are
customized solvents that are far superior,
such as Fluke Networks’ Fiber Optic Solvent
Pen. Most importantly, this specialized
solvent is more effective than IPA at dissol-
ving all contaminants, especially non-ionic
compounds such as buffer gel and pulling
lube. You will get a better clean every time
and with every contaminant. Next, our
solvent has a lower surface tension that
allows it to envelop particles and debris,
effectively lifting them from
the surface of the
end-face
as they
are
carried
away
by a wipe or swab.
Many smaller particles carry a charge that
bonds them to the ferrule or end-face.
This solvent is oxygenated to neutralize
this charge so the charged particle can be
wiped away and additional particles are
not attracted onto the end-face. When
cleaning end-faces inside ports or equipment,
the evaporation rate of solvents become
significant as it is harder to guarantee
removal of all solvent. Fluke Networks’
customized solvent has an evaporation rate
tailored to stay long enough to work yet
still disappear before mating. It evaporates
much faster than IPA. Last, IPA is highly
hygroscopic and therefore draws water vapor
that can then dry on the end-face and leave
a residue, which sometimes appears as a
“halo.” Using Fluke Networks’ solvent will
avoid this problem.