LIAM TAYLOR FIBRE CLEANING
environments that may contain dust, moisture, or debris. Ensuring clean connections helps: • Maximise signal transmission: Even microscopic contaminants can interfere with light signals, reducing network performance. • Prevent equipment damage: Dirt or debris on connectors can scratch or pit end faces, causing irreversible damage. • Reduce downtime: Clean connections minimise troubleshooting and rework, keeping installations efficient and cost- effective.
sticks helps reduce static to remove stubborn contaminants more easily. • Touchless Cleaners: Automated tools, such as the Sticklers™ Pro360, offer consistent, reliable cleaning. 3. Use high-purity cleaning fluids Specialised cleaning fluids, such as non-flammable, fast-drying solvents, effectively dissolve oils and residues without leaving streaks or films. 4. Follow proper techniques Incorrect cleaning methods can worsen contamination. Adhere to the following:
Essential Cleaning – Cleaning fibre optic connections prevents contamination, reducing downtime and preserving the reliability of high-speed data networks.
downtime. By prioritising proper cleaning protocols, fibre optic installation and maintenance professionals can ensure long-term reliability and scalability of their networks. CONCLUSION In blown fibre applications, cleaning fibre optic connections is not an optional task, it’s a critical step in achieving and maintaining peak network performance. Installation and maintenance professionals must adopt best practices, leverage advanced cleaning tools, and remain vigilant about preventing contamination throughout the fibre lifecycle. With clean connections, blown fibre networks can deliver on their promise of high-speed, reliable communication, ensuring customer satisfaction and operational success.
• Apply light pressure to avoid scratching connectors. • Use a single swipe motion on wipes; never reuse the same area. • For recessed connectors, ensure cleaning sticks are fully inserted and rotated in one direction for complete cleaning. MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR BLOWN FIBRE APPLICATIONS Regular Inspections: Schedule periodic inspections of fibre connections to identify contamination early. Use handheld microscopes for routine field checks. Train Your Team: Proper training ensures technicians understand cleaning procedures, reducing the risk of mistakes or equipment damage. Monitor Environmental Conditions: Keep installation and maintenance areas as clean and controlled as possible to limit dust and debris. THE ROLE OF CLEANING IN LONG- TERM NETWORK RELIABILITY Blown fibre systems are designed to evolve with growing network demands, but their efficiency relies on the integrity of fibre optic connections. A single contaminated connection can degrade network performance, compromise data transmission, and lead to costly
Even microscopic contaminants can interfere with light signals, reducing network performance.
COMMON CONTAMINANTS IN BLOWN FIBRE APPLICATIONS Understanding potential contaminants is the first step in effective cleaning. Common contaminants include: • Dust and Dirt: Introduced during connector handling or exposure to unclean environments. • Moisture and Oils: From humidity, skin oils, or improper storage of components. • Residue from Blowing Process: Lubricants or particulates generated during fibre installation. • Debris from Previous Cleanings: Improper cleaning methods can leave lint or residue behind.
BEST PRACTICES FOR CLEANING FIBRE OPTIC CONNECTIONS
1. Inspect before cleaning Always inspect connectors using a fibre inspection microscope before cleaning. Not all connectors require cleaning, and inspecting first helps prevent unnecessary handling. 2. Choose the right cleaning tools Blown fibre applications demand reliable and effective cleaning tools that accommodate both field and controlled environments. Common cleaning tools and methods include: • Dry Cleaning: Lint-free wipes, click- to-clean tools, or cleaning sticks designed to remove debris from connector end faces. • Wet/Dry Cleaning: Using a combination of cleaning fluid with wipes, click-to-clean tools or cleaning
Liam Taylor, European Business Manager, Fibre Optics at MicroCare UK Ltd
Liam Taylor is European Business Manager, Fibre Optics at MicroCare UK Ltd and a member of IEC/SC 86B Working Group 4. MicroCare manufactures the Sticklers™ brand of specialist fibre cleaning tools. For more information, visit www.microcare.com.
Precision Cleaning in Action – Using the right tools and techniques for fibre optic cleaning minimises contamination risks, keeping blown fibre networks performing at their best.
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ISSUE 40 | Q1 2025
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