408-8895 Datasheet, PDF (2/2 Pages) TE Connectivity Ltd – Installation and Cleaning Procedures for Fiber Optic Buildout Attenuators

408-8895
NOTE
i
For BOAs with a key slot, make sure that the key of
the patchcord is aligned with the key slot of the
BOA.
4. INSPECTION AND CLEANING
Cleanliness of the fiber optic interface is extremely
important for system performance. It is recommended
that all end faces be inspected and clean BEFORE
installing (or mating) the BOA according to the
following procedure.
The following tools and materials are necessary for
inspection and cleaning the end faces of the BOA and
any mating connectors. Follow the operating
instructions packaged with the tools and safety
guidelines packaged with the materials.
— Texwipe TechniCloth Wipers TX604 or
dry, lint-free cloths
— fiber optic reel cleaner with cassette
NOTE
i
In some cases, static charge from wipers or
cloths attracts dust particles and prevents the end
face from becoming clean. The fiber optic reel
cleaner will eliminate static buildup while cleaning
the end face.
— Texwipe MicroAbsorbond Swabs TX759B or
equivalent
— isopropyl alcohol (99% reagent grade) or
equivalent alcohol fiber wipes
— fiber optic inspection microscope with
magnification of 200×, probe, and probe tip
appropriate for application (SC, FC, ST, or D4)
— clean dry air (filtered laboratory or canned)
4.1. Plug End of BOA and Mating Connector
(If Able to Be Disconnected)
1. Using the microscope, inspect each end face for
contamination. If contamination is not present on
either of the end faces, mate the BOA and the
mating connector immediately to prevent
contamination. If contamination is present,
proceed with the following steps for each
contaminated end face.
2. Place a wiper (or dry, lint-free cloth) on a smooth,
flat, hard surface.
3. Holding the plug end of the BOA or connector
perpendicular (with end face facing down) to the
wiper, wipe the end face across the wiper using a
short, quick motion.
NOTE
i
Wiping too delicately will not adequately clean the
end face.
4. Blow clean dry air over the end face.
5. Using the microscope, inspect the end face
again to make sure that all contamination is
removed. If not:
a. Moisten a wiper (or dry, lint-free cloth) with
the isopropyl alcohol (or use an alcohol fiber
wipe), and wipe the end face using a
back-and-forth motion.
b. Wipe the end face with a wiper (or dry,
lint-free cloth) to remove any alcohol residue. If
the wiper is not effective, use the reel cleaner.
c. Blow clean dry air over the end face.
6. Repeat these steps, as necessary, until the end
face is clean.
CAUTION
!
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that ALL end
faces are clean BEFORE mating.
4.2. Receptacle End of BOA and Mating Connector
(If Not Able to Be Disconnected)
1. Using the microscope with the probe and
appropriate probe tip installed, inspect each end
face for contamination. If contamination is not
present on either of the end faces, mate the BOA
and mating connector immediately to prevent
contamination. If contamination is present, proceed
with the following for each contaminated end face:
2. Insert a swab into the receptacle end of the BOA
or into the connector until it touches the end face.
3. Carefully rotate the swab in one direction, sweep
it back and forth, then pull it out. Discard the swab.
CAUTION
!
DO NOT RE-USE A SWAB. A used swab can
contaminate the end face.
4. Repeat these steps, as necessary, until the end
face is clean.
CAUTION
!
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that ALL end
faces are clean BEFORE mating.
5. REVISION SUMMARY
Revisions to this instruction sheet include:
• Updated instruction sheet to corporate
requirements
Texwipe, TechniCloth, and MicroAbsorbond are trademarks.
Rev C
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