Things to keep in mind before cleaning and inspection

Fiber optics, as we know the most popular guided transmission media in communication networks. The key feature of glass or plastic made fiber strings is that they rely on light instead of electrical current to pass useful information from one place to another. Because of the property that light travels much faster than current, it become the functioning concept of fiber cables.

As a rule for almost everything, while there are positives of something, there are some downsides too. Same is in the case of fiber cables that are highly susceptible to contaminations from myriad sources like human hand oil, dust particles, powders left after water (or other solvents) evaporate, and others. These contaminations create interruption in the intended functioning of optical fibers, thus need to be cleaned periodically.

Below mentioned are general reminders and warnings before you clean or inspect optical Every time you mate or de-mate a fiber cables they must be cleaned and inspect to ensure their smooth functioning. There are variety of fiber optic testing and cleaning products available in the market, you just5 need to keep few but important things in mind. fiber connections.

Reminders:

·         Always make sure that laser sources are turned off before you proceed with the inspection of optical components, fiber connectors, or bulkheads.

·         Make sure that optical cable is disconnected at both ends.

·         Wear safety glasses and gloves during use of laser.

·         Always check the fiber connectors or adapters before you clean.

·         Be sure that connectors are properly inspected and cleaned before you make a connection.

·         On safe side, keep a protective cap on all connectors that are unplugged.

·         Don’t reuse the used tissues and swabs. Discard them properly.

·         It is a good idea to use connector housing to connect or disconnect a fiber.

Warnings:

·         Never follow wet cleaning or alcoholic methods without ensuring that it will not leave any residue or dust particles on the end face after cleaning. Because it can result in damage to the equipment.

·         Never look into an optical fiber while the laser systems are turned on.

·         Never touch inspection or cleaning products without being grounded properly.

·         Never touch fiber connectors’ end-faces.

·         Never pull or twist forcefully optical cables.

·         Never touch the cleaning side of the sawn, tissue, or cleaning fabric.

·         Never use wet cleaning solutions like alcohol around sparking cables or open flame. Because alcoholic cleaning agents are highly flammable.

Therefore, before you perform fiber optic cleaningor testing, keep the aforementioned thing in mind to avoid the associated risks of damage. Visit www.aefos.com for further details on products, user manuals and estimates..