Best Practices / Fiber / Electrostatic Charge

Even if the contact zone initially is clean, static can cause dust to move from the outer zone into the contact zone. Using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is not a best practice, according to Sticklers®, because alcohol often leaves residues. If so, your optical inspection at 200/400+ will detect it.

Always, Inspect before YOU connect!

Components of a fiber optic connector are made of non-conductive materials usually plastic, ceramics, glass, and epoxies. The static charge doesn't have a path to the ground thus it doesn't dissipate. The charge will remain on the connector end face indefinitely and the particulate will remain locked in place until the end face is cleaned thoroughly again. A cleaned surface is impacted by an electrostatic charge by causing dust to migrate from the outer regions of the ferrule toward the ferrule apex in the contact zone.

 

• Wet-dry cleaning is most effective for removing most forms of contamination and eliminates electrostatic charge.
• Use optical-grade cleaning fluids that leave no residue and are fast-evaporating.
• Always clean both ends of a connector pair, and do it just before mating.
• Inspect new jumpers and patch cords right out of the bag. Inspect when they have protective dust covers too.
• Use one stick per end face to avoid cross-contamination when using Cleanstixx swabs cleaners,
• When using Cleanstixx Swabs rotate them in one direction. Normally four to five rotations are good.
• When using mechanical “push-to-clean” cleaners and cassette cleaners combine wet/dry cleaning to dissipate static

Apply Wet/Dry Practices to help dissipate static electricity!

POC03M Cleanclickers

POC03M WET/DRY CLEAN

POC03M Cleanstixx’s

 

Always clean both ends of a connector pair, and do it just before mating.

POC03M Cleaning Fluid

Applications:

• Excellent IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) alternative
• Cleaning fiber optic end faces
• Use on Ceramic and composite ferrule faces
• Cleaning fiber during fusion splicing
• Cleans glass and plastic lenses

Features:

• Completely removes dust, dirt, fingerprints, moisture
• Ultra-pure, leaves no residue
• Does not absorb water or other impurities
• Metered doses help control waste
• Nonflammable for added safety
• Dissipates electrostatic charge
• Dries instantly for faster cleaning
• Safe on all surfaces
• TravelSafe™ bottle - ships as non-hazardous, non-regulated for easy storage and transport
• Hermetically sealed and spill-proof
• RoHS and REACH compliant
• NSN: 6850-01-592-9391
• Special Note: the Liter and 4-liter packages use screw-on caps and do not have the Triton™ dispense

Stickler's Cleaning Products are available at your favorite West Coast DISTY; EBAY; Google; or Factory Direct @ FiberRep

*** Inspect, Clean, and Re-Inspect ... 100% Spec Compliance ***

Visit Wet/Dry Cleaning Solutions for adapter cleaning and end-face Cleaning for more product info.

or more of "My World" for more application notes. Use the MENU Above ... Email or call if you have questions.