Fiber Optic Connector Cleaning Guide
Contaminated or dirty fiber optic connectors can create major issues in your data center or in the field. Even the slightest amount of dirt and dust in the connectors can slow transmission rates substantially. For some perspective, a human hair is typically around 60 micrometers in diameter but it only takes a 9 micrometer speck of dust (not even be visible to the human eye) to totally block a fiber core. Other materials that cause problems with connections include oils from your hands and residues from the environment. Listed below are many of the common fiber optic connections. Click on the connection you are interested in cleaning for for best-practice cleaning techniques and recommended fiber optic cleaning products:
Click here to download full FOCCUS Connector Cleaning Guide.
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General Reminders When Cleaning:
- Always turn off power and laser sources before you begin cleaning or inspecting fiber connections.
- Always wear safety glasses approved for the type of work you are doing
- Always follow the safety instructions provided with your cleaning products
- Always dispose of used cleaning supplies properly
- Never use fiber cleaning supplies around a spark or open flame as some products may be flammable.