Appendix B
Cleaning Fiber Optic Connectors
The fiber optic connector consists of a fiber optic plug and its adapter. The end of the fiber optic cable is held in the core of the ferrule in the plug. Light signals are transmitted through the core of the fiber. Even minor smudges or dirt on the end face of the fiber, completely invisible to the naked eye, can disrupt light transmission and lead to failure of the component or of the entire system. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to clean all fiber optic connectors before use.
Figure 80 shows the ferrule in an SC connector.
Ferrule
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Figure 80. Ferrule in an SC Connector Plug
Figure 81 shows part of the end face of an unclean and clean ferrule.
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Unclean Clean
Figure 81. Unclean and Clean Ferrule
This appendix provides the following procedures
“Using a Cartridge-Type Cleaner” on page 110
“Using a Swab” on page 112
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