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ITW CHEMTRONICS® APS # 48040-FO |
The Need For Cleaning
The need to clean fiber optic connectors is well documented. The more difficult operation is cleaning the “backplane” end face. This inaccessible end face, located on the backside of the alignment sleeve is subject to contamination from the patchcord connection. Airborne soils can accumulate around the ferrules in the alignment sleeve and will be transferred within the alignment sleeve to the patchcord ferrule. This occurs not only in field applications, but also in central office and OEM applications. Such contamination can cause signal attenuation or, in worst case reports, complete interruption of the signal.
The Better Way
1) Disconnect the patch cord connections.
2) The patchcord connection is effectively cleaned using a QbE® Cleaning System.
- Pull one QbE® Wipe over the Fiber-Safe™ neoprene platen
- Hold the end face at 90 degrees perpendicular to the platen
- Draw the end face lightly over the platen in a smooth linear motion
- Do not press too hard. Do not retrace your cleaning procedure in the same area.
- Do not use a figure-eight motion; do not use a “twist & turn” motion
- Check your work with a fiber scope or a measuring device
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If using a solvent is necessary:
3) With the patchcord removed from the bulkhead the backplane connector is cleaned effectively with Coventry™ 48040 Fiber Optic Cleaning Swab. Lightly moisten the swab by spotting a small amount of Electro-Wash® PX into the QbE® and dabbing the swab onto the wetted area. Insert the swab into the connector, press lightly against the connector, twist 2-3 times and remove. Dry with a second swab. |
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4) Reinsert the patchcord and test for signal strength.
Availability
Coventry™ Fiber Optic Foam Swab
48040 500 swabs per bag
Electro-Wash® PX Fiber Optic Cleaner
ES810 5 oz. aerosol
QbE® Cleaning System
QbE 200 wipe cleaning platform / ~ 400 applications
TECHNICAL & APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
ITW Chemtronics® provides a technical hotline to answer your technical and application related questions. The toll-free number is: 1-800-TECH-401 (1-800- 832-4401).
NOTE: This information is believed to be accurate. It is intended for professional end users having the skills to evaluate and use the data properly. ITW CHEMTRONICS® does not guarantee the accuracy of the data and assumes no liability in connection with damages incurred while using it.
ITW Chemtronics®, Chemtronics®, QbE® and Electro-Wash® are registered trademarks of ITW Chemtronics. All rights are reserved. Coventry™ and Fiber-Safe™ are the trademarks of ITW Chemtronics. All rights are reserved.
MANUFACTURED BY:
ITW CHEMTRONICS
8125 COBB CENTER DRIVE
KENNESAW, GA 30152-4386
1-800-645-5244
1-770-424-4888
www.chemtronics.com
REV. B (0206)