Optical fiber link faults and dirty Wiring

So far, face dirt is the main cause of fiber failure. According to a survey commissioned by Fluke Networks by installer and dedicated network owner, dirty face is the top cause of fiber failure. It is estimated that 85% of Optical Fiber faults are caused by contamination of the optical fiber end face. Therefore, the end face must be checked and cleaned whenever necessary.

It is equally important to check and clean the two ends of any connection, as pollutants will be transferred from one end face to another when a connector is inserted. In addition, do not clean the face until a problem occurs. Dirt or fragments stacked between the two ends of the connection can cause permanent damage such as cracks, scratches, and sinks. If the above problem occurs, it is necessary to re-connect, not just clean.

Do not take it for granted that the end of the patch cord or pigtails received at the factory end is completely new and the dust-proof cover must be clean. Although the dust cover plays a major role in preventing face scratches, it is also a source of pollution. The plasticizer in the plastic used to manufacture dust-proof covers will gradually age and release the contaminated gas. The dust cover surface may also contain the demoulding material used during high-speed production. The correct cleaning product and steps must be followed. In fact, the cleaning method is not correct, not only the cleaning effect is poor, but also may cause damage. Although canned gas has been used as a dust removal method for many years, it cannot remove small electrostatic particles, and will form residues, and it is easy to blow large particles to the place. To achieve a better cleaning effect on the optical fiber end face, you must use the following two tools: special cleaner and cotton cloth or cotton swab.

Whether it is a cotton swab suitable for patch cord cleansing or a cotton swab suitable for port cleansing, you should always use cleaner. Cleaner is used to dissolve various pollutants that may exist, such as finger oil or buffer gel. In addition, the use of dry cotton or cotton swab to wipe the end face, may produce static electricity, and adsorption more dust to the end face. Worse, the dry cotton cloth will drag debris between the face, which may cause damage.

Good cleaner can be used as a lubricant for fragment removal. When cleaning the loose connector, use cotton cloth to take a small amount of detergent, and then pull the end face vertically in the cotton cloth, moving from the wet end of the cotton cloth to the dry end. This ensures that the cleaner is completely removed.

For the port, use a cotton swab to take a small amount of detergent, then insert the port and gently turn. After cleaning with a wet cotton swab, take another dry cotton swab and gently turn a few times in the port to ensure that all the cleaner has been removed. It is best to use a cotton swab designed specifically for cleaning ports because their sizes and sleeves are most suitable.

For a long time, technicians have been using IPA to clean the optical fiber end face. Now we have a detergent specially prepared for optical fiber, which has better cleaning effect. More importantly, it is better to dissolve all pollutants with a specialized detergent than to dissolve IPA, especially non-ionic complexes such as buffer gel and lubricants. This new type of cleaner can help you clean all stains.

In addition, the cleaner has a lower surface tension, which makes it easier to stick particles and fragments, making it easier to remove the surface from its face with cotton or cotton swab. Many smaller particles carry electrostatic charges, which can be adsorbed on the metal ring or end face. Now some cleaners are oxidized to neutralize the charge, so they can clear charged particles without adsorption of other particles to the end.

When cleaning the port or the end face of the device, the steaming of the detergent is critical. These specialized detergents have suitable steaming conditions, which can take both time and completely evaporate before connection. The evaporation speed is much faster than IPA. At last, IPA has a high moisture absorption rate, which will adsorbed water vapor to the end surface. After drying, residues will be left. In short, it is better to retain IPA for medical purposes.

After cleaning, be sure to use Fluke Networks's FiberInspector Pro or FiberInSpector Mini to check the end face again, and then insert the connector to ensure that the pollutants have been completely cleared. If necessary, clean it again to make sure that the soil particles that failed to be cleared for the first time are completely cleared. Regular inspection and use of appropriate cleaning steps can avoid costly unexpected shutdown, saving you time and money.

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