User's Manual

This chapter describes the procedures to be followed when cleaning and inspecting optical and

fiber connectors. It also describes the procedure to be followed during inserting and ejecting of

cards and fan trays.

NEC recommends that you always clean fiber-optic connectors before connecting to

transmission equipment, test equipment, patch panels, or other connectors.

Cleaning Fiber Connectors

1. Clean the fiber end with a new lint-free cleaning pad, lens tissue, or swab. Move the cleaning

pad back and forth across the fiber end several times. If you are using a swab, gently rotate

the swab as you wipe across the end face.

2. Clean the ferrules and other parts of the connector with a lint-free, non abrasive cleaning pad

or lens tissue. After you finish, discard the used pad or tissue.

3. Aim a filtered, dry compressed-air dust remover at a shallow angle to the fiber end face and

blow across the end face from a distance of 6–8 inches.

4. Verify whether the other end of the fiber is disconnected from its laser source.

Inspect the fiber-optic connector with an optical fiber scope to verify that it is

free of dirt and dust. Then do either of the following:

If the connector is clean, cover the connector with a protective dust cover until

ready to use it.

If the connector is not completely clean, continue with steps 5 to 13 to clean it

with alcohol.

5. Apply 99% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol to a lint-free, non-abrasive cleaning pad or lens tissue.

6. Clean the ferrules and other parts of the connector with a lint-free, non abrasive cleaning pad

or lens tissue. After you finish, discard the used pad or tissue.

7. Apply alcohol to a new, lint-free cleaning pad, lens tissue, or swab.

8. Clean the fiber end with a new lint-free cleaning pad, lens tissue, or swab. Move the cleaning

pad back and forth across the fiber end several times. If you are using a swab, gently rotate

the swab as you wipe across the end face.

9. Immediately dry the fiber ends with a clean, dry, lint-free cleaning pad or lens tissue.

10. Discard the used cleaning materials.

11. Aim a filtered, dry compressed-air dust remover at a shallow angle to the fiber end face and

blow across the end face from a distance of 150-200 mm.

Appendix III

General Procedures