Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602) 343-1496, Fax: (602) 343-1489, Email: sales@oequest.com
4.3 Care of Fiber-optic Connectors
Damage to optical connectors account for more than 70 percent of equipment
performance degradation. To avoid such damage, the user should use only industrial
grade 99% pure isopropyl alcohol and follow the procedures below to keep the
connectors, adaptors and receptacles clean.
Cleaning Optical Connector End-face with Wipe and Alcohol
To properly clean optical connectors utilizing lens tissue grade wipes and alcohol follow
the procedure below. The moist wipe removes dust particles, oil and contaminants that
may damage or blot the end-face of the connector during connection. The dry wipe
removes residual alcohol that may be ignited by optical emission.
1. Disable the optical output and turn off unit to prevent accidental exposure or damage
to the optical connector by optical emission.
2. Moisten a wipe with alcohol by placing on top of the alcohol dispenser and push
down to saturate the wipe.
3. Place the moist wipe on a work surface, and place a second dry wipe next to it.
4. Wipe the optical connector, end-face down on the moist wipe 3 times and then
repeat on the dry wipe.
5. Visually inspect the end-face of the optical connector with an optical microscope to
verify cleanliness. Repeat steps 2 to 5 as needed.
Cleaning Optical Connector Sides, Receptacles, Adaptors with Swab and Alcohol
Dust or particles can adhere to the insides of receptacles and adaptors or the sides of
the optical connector ferrule. Their presence can affect the alignment of the optical fiber
connectors and increase connection loss. To properly clean optical connectors,
receptacles, and adaptors utilizing a swab and alcohol follow the procedure below:
1. Disable the optical output and turn off unit to prevent accidental exposure or damage
to the optical connector by optical emission.
2. Moisten the swab by placing it on top of the alcohol dispenser and push down to
saturate the swab.
3. For receptacles, adapters, or other connection points, insert the moistened swab and
rotate the tip 1/2 turn clockwise and counter-clockwise 6 times while applying light
but firm pressure.
4. For fiber connectors, rotate the tip of the moistened swab 5 revolutions around the
connector while applying light but firm pressure.
5. Visually inspect the end face of the connector with an optical microscope to verify
cleanliness. Clean end-face as needed.
