Chemtronics Application Guide Cleaning Angled Physical Connector (APC) End Faces with the QbE Cleaning System

The Need For Cleaning

Choosing the right cleaning solution is slightly more complex that simply using isopropyl alcohol (also known as IPA). IPA, especially in highest purities, is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). Ambient moisture attracted to IPA can attach to the connector end face. The drying procedures for residual alcohol, and ultimately residual moisture, are difficult at best. IPA does not adequately clean some non-ionic contaminants and can leave a thin layer of surface residue. Since isopropyl alcohol is relatively slow to dry, it can attract more airborne contamination leaving the surface more contaminated than before cleaning. Using excessive amounts of isopropyl alcohol can contribute to signal loss and “haloing”, which is believed to be residual alcohol and moisture contamination from inefficiently dried connectors.

The Better Way

The ITW Chemtronics Combination Cleaning process (CCpTM) begins with an optical review of the surface to be cleaned. Light oily hand soils can be safely removed using the QbE® Cleaning System. Dust, airborne particles and other contaminants such as grease or buffer gel from soiled hands, are most safely removed using the combination of Electro-Wash® PX Fiber Optic Cleaner and the QbE®. In those instances where visual inspection is not possible, the best practice method is to clean the end face with Electro-Wash® PX in conjunction with QbE®. This assures that statically charged dust particles and complex soils are safely removed.

APC’s present a unique cleaning challenge. End face cleaning requires the technician to position the surface to be cleaned at the correct perpendicular angle. With the APC this is somewhat problematic when using a small cleaning surface. This requires the technician to “find the angle”, with a tactile motion of the surface to be cleaned positioned against the cleaning surface. In those instances where the soil is unknown or contains dust, the end face can be damaged if it is cleaned “dry”.

The large cleaning surface of the QbE®, in conjunction with the solvency of Electro- Wash® PX Fiber Optic Cleaner, offers the technician the dual advantage of a large, safe cleaning surface as well as the superior cleaning ability of both ionic and non-ionic contaminants. This process is known as the Combination Cleaning process (CCp)TM.

How to Clean the End Face Using the Combination Cleaning process (CCp)TM:

• Pull one QbE® Wipe over the Fiber- SafeTM platen.
• Spray a small amount of Electro- Wash® PX Fiber Optic Cleaner in one
• corner of the Wipe. A small spot about 1” in diameter works best.
• Hold the end face at 90 degrees perpendicular to the platen for standard polish end face. “Find the Angle” by lightly drawing the APC or standard connection from wet to dry.
• Draw the end face lightly over the platen in a smooth linear motion. Don’t twist and turn, or use a figure-8 polishing action to clean end faces.
• Do not press too hard, and do not retrace your cleaning procedure over the same area.
• Check your work with a fiberscope or measuring device.

Availability

Electro-Wash® PX Fiber Optic Cleaner
ES810             5 oz. aerosol
QbE® Cleaning System
QbE®              200 sheets / ~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.

MANUFACTURED BY:
ITW CHEMTRONICS INC.
8125 COBB CENTER DRIVE
KENNESAW, GA 30152
1-800-645-5244 / 770-424-4888
www.chemtronics.com
REV-0206