LIAM TAYLOR CLEANING FIBRE
CONTROL STATIC WITH CLEANING STICKS
Although the end faces passed cleanliness inspection at the factory, removing the end caps can generate static and attract contamination. Removing protective end caps is a common cause of static and dust-based contamination, so it is important to clean even brand-new fibre jumpers and connectors straight out of the pack before installation. Even testing can be a source of friction and static generation on end faces. Inserting an inspection scope, power meter, or light source can turn the contact area of the end face into a dust- magnet, attracting dust to the centre. As these inspection tools are often used many times without cleaning between uses, they are usually dirty and can readily cross-contaminate end faces. It is recommended to always clean inspection tools with a static-dissipative optical- grade cleaning fluid and wipe before use.
Manufacturing Initiative) which every technician should be encouraged to follow. FLUID ENGINEERED FOR CLEANING When carrying out the wet to dry cleaning method, a specially engineered fibre optic cleaning fluid is of paramount importance. It will quickly dissipate any static charge making it easier to wipe away end face contamination. Engineered cleaning fluid will also be ultra-fast drying, non-flammable and non-hazardous, meaning it is safe to use on any surface, safe to store and easy to transport, even by air. Look for products packaged in hermetically sealed containers as this will keep the fluid ultra-pure, regardless of the working environment. The sealed container also prevents the fluid from absorbing airborne contaminants such as moisture, microscopic dust particles, exhaust particles from traffic or pollen from plants, all of which can degrade the cleaning process.
To clean, first dampen the stick with cleaning fluid before inserting into the connector.
DON’T LET THE DUST SETTLE
If the tool of choice is a cleaning stick, the same cleaning rules apply. Opt for a high-quality stick and use it with an optical-grade static-dissipating cleaning fluid. The cleaning stick should be engineered to be non-linting and fit the end face configuration without needing to disassemble the connector or adapter.
HOW TO WET-TO-DRY CLEAN
Dust contamination on fibre optical interconnects is one of the most common threats to a fibre optic network. Dust contamination is one of the primary causes of fibre network failure. Whether it’s airborne dust from dead skin, plant pollen, lint from cheap wipes or connector wear debris, it interferes with end face connections resulting in back reflection, signal attenuation, and network instability. When you add electrostatic charge into the mix the problem significantly increases. To ensure a reliable and robust network, fibre cleaning must be performed using proven tools and processes. Modern cleaning and inspecting processes, along with tools and fluids engineered specifically for fibre optic applications, should always be used to dissipate static and remove contamination. This will help ensure the fibre network maintains seamless connectivity, and performs reliably at all times.
To clean, first dampen the stick with cleaning fluid before inserting into the connector. Rotate in a clockwise direction, six to eight rotations. It is important to use one stick per end face to avoid cross-contamination.
CLICK-TO-CLEAN TOOLS Cleaning sticks are ideal for low
fibre counts or when cleaning highly contaminated end faces. If a technician is cleaning high-density fibre, a ‘click-to- clean’ tool might be the better option. Click-to-clean tools are fast, effective and engineered to clean connectors with uneven geometries. When using a click-to-clean tool, apply a small amount of cleaning fluid to a wipe first, then touch the tool to the dampened area. Finally, insert the tool into the port and push the handle until you feel and hear it fully engage. Do not spray the cleaning fluid directly onto the end face or onto the tool itself. What is important to remember with any of these cleaning tools, whether a wipe, stick or click-to-clean, is to always inspect, clean and reinspect both ends of a connector pair before mating to avoid cross- contaminating the end faces. CLEAN NEW CONNECTORS Electrostatic charges can also come from simply removing the protective caps from the new connector end faces.
Wipe the connector end face in one motion, starting at the damp area of the wipe, and move towards the dry area to remove contamination and eliminate electrostatic charge. To use the wet-to-dry cleaning process, with the fibre optic cleaning fluid. Wipe the connector end face in one motion, starting at the damp area of the wipe, and moving towards the dry area. This removes any contamination and eliminates any electrostatic charge. It is important to choose your cleaning wipe carefully. Check that it is a high- grade, lint-free fabric wipe. Although a less expensive, lower-quality paper wipe may make sense when it comes to your budget, it is counterproductive. Lower-quality wipes can tear easily, leaving debris behind. Also, paper wipes generate the high static charges which trap and lock the contaminants onto the end faces.
Liam Taylor, European Business Manager, Fibre Optics, MicroCare UK Ltd.
He is also a member of the IEC/SC 86B Working Group 4. MicroCare
manufactures the Sticklers™ brand of specialist fibre cleaning tools. For more information, visit www.microcare.com.
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ISSUE 30 | Q3 2022
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