Cleaning Fiber Endfaces

When a fiber link is not functioning properly, it is very likely caused by a dirty endface in a connector. Below are some examples of dirty endfaces and properly cleaned and polished endfaces. A “brand new in the bag” connector can be contaminated. To inspect is to know! If you already have a Fiber Inspector FI-1000 and fiber cleaning supplies with your CertiFiber Pro kit, you can save a lot of time and avoid frustration by taking the time to clean and inspect before you attempt to certify fiber links.

Always clean and inspect the endfaces in fiber optic connectors before making connections. Fluke Networks recommends using a mechanical device such as the Fluke Networks Quick Clean Cleaner to clean connectors on network equipment. If you do not have such a device, if the device cannot adequately clean the connector, or when cleaning connectors on test reference cords, use other fiber-grade supplies such as wipes and solvent.

How to use the Quick Clean Cleaner

To prevent damage to the device and to connectors and to keep contamination off of endfaces, read all instructions and obey all safety precautions given in the instructions for the device you use to clean connectors.

Quick Clean Instruction Sheet IBC Fiber Endface Cleaners Instruction Sheet

1. Use the video probe to inspect the connector. If it is dirty, continue to step 2.
2. To clean a bulkhead connector, first remove the dust cap. To clean a connector on a fiber, first remove the cap tip.
3. For bulkhead connectors, extend the device tip if necessary.
4. Push the device straight into the connector until you hear a loud click. Then remove the device.

Use the video probe to inspect the connector. If necessary, clean and inspect the connector again. If the mechanical device cannot adequately clean the connector, use wipes and solvent to clean the connector.

IMPORTANT: When cleaning connectors on test reference cords, use wipes, swabs, and solvent. The Quick Clean Cleaner can clean the fiber core but will leave contamination around the core. The contamination can move to the core when you make connections.

How to Use Wipes, Swabs, and Solvent

To Clean Bulkhead Connectors

1. Use a video probe to inspect the connector. If it is dirty, continue to step 2.
2. Touch the tip of a fiber cleaning pen or a swab dipped in solvent to a lint-free dry cloth or fiber cleaning card.
3. Touch a new dry swab to the solvent spot on the cloth or card. Press the swab onto the connector and rotate it 3 to 5 times on the endface, then remove and discard the swab.
4. Use a dry swab and rotate it 3 to 5 times on the connector to dry it.
5. Use the video probe to inspect the connector. If necessary, clean and inspect the connector again.

To Clean the Optical Connectors on the Modules (CFP or OFP fiber modules)

To clean the optical connectors on the CFP or OFP modules, first use the procedure given above “To Clean Bulkhead Connectors”. If the connector is very dirty or the above procedure cannot adequately clean it, use the following procedure:

1. Unscrew the adapter on the connector.
2. Use a fiber-grade dry cloth made specifically for fiber optic connectors to clean the ferrule or photodiode lens.
3. Use the video probe to inspect the connector. If necessary, clean and inspect the connector again.
4. If the connector is still dirty, use a cloth dampened with fiber-grade solvent to clean the endface. Dry the ferrule with a dry cloth.

Note: If the OTDR port connection quality on the OptiFiber Pro module remains in the “poor” range after cleaning the OTDR connector, remove the adapter from the module and check whether the adapter is damaged. Make sure the white plastic ring in the center tube shows no signs of damage.

To Clean Connector Ends

1. Use a video probe to inspect the connector. If the connector end is dirty, continue to step 2.
2. Touch the tip of a fiber cleaning pen or a swab dipped in solvent to a lint-free dry cloth or fiber cleaning card.
3. Rub the connector endface on the solvent spot, then rub it back and forth on a dry area of the cloth or card. Usually one to two passes (~1 cm or ~0.4 in distance) are enough to dry the endface.
4. Use the video probe to inspect the connector. If necessary, clean and inspect the connector again.

Note: For APC connectors, hold the ferrule against the cleaning area at the same angle (typically 8 degrees) as the ferrule endface. For some connector types, such as VF-45, a different method is required to clean the endface.