ViaLite Fiber Cleaning Guide

Ensuring the pristine condition of your fiber optic connectors is not just a matter of best practice; it is a fundamental requirement for maintaining optimal performance and reliability in your optical network.

This comprehensive guide is designed to walk you through the essential steps for optical safety, the fiber optic cleaning procedure, receptacle cleaning, and the reconnection of the fiber optic cables.

Optical Safety

The ViaLite Communications range of single mode transmitter modules contain laser diode sources operating at 1270 nm to 1610 nm.

The ViaLite Communications range of multimode transmitter modules contain laser diode sources operating at 850 nm.

Both of these devices are rated under EN 60825-1 as CLASS 1 radiation emitting devices.

When operating the equipment note the following:

• Never look into the end of an optical fiber or connector directly or by reflection either with the naked eye or through
  an optical instrument.
• Never leave equipment with radiating bare fibers accessible – always cap the connectors.
• Do not remove equipment covers when operating.

Adjustment, maintenance and repair of the equipment should only be carried out by suitably qualified personnel.

Cleaning Procedure

Fiber optic connectors are more sensitive to damage and contamination than electrical connectors. In order to maintain full performance from your fiber optic link system, it is necessary to take care to protect the connectors from damage and to keep them clean. The cable connectors should always be cleaned before they are used, even if they have been protected by dust caps.

When the fiber optic cables are not connected, it is essential that the cable and module connectors are protected by the dust caps provided with the system. Failure to do so may result in damage to the fiber ends, which are critical to the system performance.

ViaLite supports FC,LC, SC/APC and E2000 connectors.  The method for cleaning all of these connectors is the same and is as follows:

1. If using the PPM cleaning card (part 54034), peel the plastic cover from an unused “N” or if you’re using a cleaning cartridge, press and hold the lever to release a fresh cleaning pad.
2. Hold the connector between your thumb and forefinger.
3. Clean the connector using firm pressure by swiping through the segments as detailed below.

NOTE: Do not swipe over the same area twice.

Cleaning card

Cleaning cartridge

Female Module Receptacle Cleaning

Note: Only recommended if problems are being experienced.

Use cleaning stick (part 54032)

1. Gently push the stick into the receptacle and twist around several times to dislodge any dirt.
2.  Discard the cleaning stick after use.

Reconnecting Fiber Optic Cables

1. Locate connector keyway and hold the connector with the keyway positioned vertically.
2. Insert the connector ferrule into the connector feed through.
3. Ensure the keyway locates into the cut-out of the connector feed through.
4. For FC/APC connectors only, tighten the connector barrel to finger tightness.

FC/APC 

LC/APC

SC/APC

Download the standard 72793 Cleaning Guide in pdf format

Download the 72791 Cleaning Cassette Guide in pdf format.