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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 30 shows the ferrule in an SC connector.
Figure 30. Ferrule in an SC Connector Plug
Figure 31 shows part of the end face of an unclean and clean ferrule.
Figure 31. Unclean and Clean Ferrule
This appendix provides the following procedures
“Using a Cartridge-Type Cleaner” on page 174
“Using a Swab” on page 176
177
Ferrule
156
Unclean Clean