Best PracticesConnector Inspection and Cleaning

Lee Kellett, AFL

Why Do We Care?• Connector contamination and damage is the leading

root cause of fiber optic network failures. • Network failures cause downtime and truck rolls.• Lower loss budget requirements make cleaning even

more important than before.• Inspecting and cleaning before connecting saves

troubleshooting costs, downtime and improves performance. Period!

How Dirty Can It Be?

Let’s Do The Math...

What Happens?• Dust and dirt can literally block the light • Dirt and oils can cause light to refract and be lost at the connection• Particles can prevent proper mating of connectors • Dirt can damage connector end face when mating and cause

permanent damage – cleaning will no longer help

Clean connectors matter!

Dirty connectors = high insertion loss and high reflectance Clean connectors = low insertion loss and low reflectance

Take a newly cleaned and installed connector...

Now add a test lead – not cleaned

And voila... Cross-contamination

Why Inspect, Clean, Inspect?• Inspect first to determine need for cleaning• Dry cleaning is quite effective, but is not perfect – so inspect after clean• Many customers now require proof of inspection to certify installations• Inspecting first verifies pre-connectorized products have been supplied in

good condition• Saves time and money in the long run

What Equipment Do I Need?• A good inspection scope

• Auto pass/fail analysis is best; Manual/view only is better than nothing • stand alone or connected to your other test equipment

• Cleaning supplies• Dry is ok but having a wet solution available is preferred • Make sure they are designed for fiber – tissues don’t work!

Reality CheckWHAT WE HEAR...

• I have not had issues – a quick rub on my shirt works

• I cleaned – no need to inspect or I just unpacked new jumpers

• It takes too much time – not worth it

REALITY...

• YIKES! High speed networks of today are not forgiving

• If there are issues – how will you prove it was not you? How do you know cleaning worked?

• How much does it cost to replace connectors? Or deploy someone to troubleshoot later?

It’s Not Just Us!

• There are IEC standards that define pass/fail criteria• Cisco has a 20+ page document detailing cleaning and inspection

procedures for fiber connectors• AT&T has their own pass/fail criteria and a 112 page document on

inspecting and cleaning• All of us on this panel, and many more at this conference agree - this is a

fundamental requirement for today’s networks.

Best Practices - Summary• Inspect, Clean and Inspect every connector

• Assures optimum performance• Prevents damage• Saves time and money in the big picture – less downtime, fewer truck rolls,

less damage and replacement• Assures performance needs will be met• Provides a better product to your customers