Fiber Patch Cable Cleaning Recommendations

Fiber optics have expanded the capabilities and possibilities of networks beyond our expectation. Fiber patch cable serves as a common yet indispensable part which determines connection quality between fiber optic equipment, therefore it has no tolerance to any contaminant like dust and dirt. So keeping the end face of patch cables clean to ensure performance and reliability of the network is vital. This article offers general tips on patch cable cleaning, while introduces some professional tools that help simplify the process.

Why Is Patch Cable Cleaning Critical?

It is claimed that over 85% of fiber related problems in data centers, campus, and other enterprise or telecom environments are caused by contaminated connectors or end-faces. Which can often lead to degraded performance, or even worse, failure of the whole network system. So, cleaning consideration is always put in a paramount place in optical network transmission.

To ensure proper performance and reliability, care must be taken with the installation and maintenance of patch cable end face, as well as the removable fiber connectors. Because data are transmitted through the small core of the fiber patch cable, a very small amount of dirt or residue may significantly increase the connector’s attenuation and weaken the signal. Lack of applying proper patch cable cleaning procedures can directly impact the quality of the system’s performance.

General Tips for Patch Cable Cleaning

fiber patch cable cleaning is one of the most rudimentary and essential procedures to ensure network availability and reliability. The following lists some general suggestions when performing patch cable cleaning.

Point 1: Try to work in a clean area. Avoid working around heating outlets.

Point 2: Always keep dust caps on connectors and bulkhead adapters for as long as possible. Only remove the dust caps to clean the components prior to making a connection.

Point 3: Never touch the ferrule end face of a fiber optic connector. No matter what you do, you will leave contamination behind.

Point 4: Always clean connectors before inserting into an adapter. Use specialized cleaning tools or lint free pads and isopropyl alcohol to clean.

Point 5: Ferrules on the connectors/cables used for testing will get dirty by transference of contaminants from alignment sleeves in the bulkhead adapters, so test cables and adapters should be cleaned or replaced regularly when testing a large system.

Recommendations of Efficient Patch Cable Cleaning Tools

It is important to have proper fiber patch cable cleaning tools to facilitate the cleaning job, which will greatly minimize the cleaning time and difficulty, making the cleaning process easier and more efficient. The commonly used patch cable cleaning tools are illustrated as follow.

a. Push-type cleaners (one-clike cleaners): this pen-shaped push-type cleaners feature an easy one-push action, which quickly and effectively cleans the end face of connectors on patch cables or through adapters without any alcohol or harsh chemicals. Always select the cleaner model for the connector type to be cleaned, 2.5mm for SC, FC and ST, and 1.25mm for LC and MU.

b. One-clike MTP/MPO cleaner: this cleaner is specifically designed to clean MTP/MPO connector end face on patch cables or in adapters. The unique design enables effective cleaning of either male (with pins) or female (without pins) connector, in fiber breakout modules and even networking gear like switches and routers.

c. Reel-type cleaners (cassette cleaners): they typically contain a lint free reel of cloth that is moved after each cleaning, always presenting a clean surface. Reel-type cleaners are safe patch cable cleaning options without the need for alcohol. Besides, they have refillable cleaning tapes, making them ideal for lab, assembly lines and field use.

d. Wipes and cleaning cards: there are a wide variety of patch cable cleaning wipes and cleaning cards for both field and manufacturing applications. They can be used either dry or with cleaning fluid to remove common contaminants for effective patch cable cleaning.

e. Cleaning swabs & sticks: Precisely designed, the mini foam clean swabs are made to serve various different patch cable cleaning and maintenance needs. Foam swabs are ideal for more precision cleaning where linting needs should be avoided. Swabs assist in cleaning small or hard to reach items.

Conclusion

For best optical performance, it is imperative that all fiber patch cable connections are clean and free of contaminants. An easy to use patch cable cleaning tool becomes a necessity for fiber technicians and installers. Even without specific training, field technicians and fiber installers can use a simple insertion and push motion to remove residue, debris and dust that can negatively impact network performance. So why not grab a patch cable cleaning tool to make your job easier?

Source: http://www.china-cable-suppliers.com/patch-cable-cleaning-tips-tools.html

How to Use Punch Down Tool?

Network performance and reliability are the foundation of a robust and sound communication system. Therefore, to ensure a successful connection between the computers and the data center, network technicians need the right assistance tools, punch down tool among which, is extremely essential for the smooth networks running. So, in this article we will offer you some tips on how to use punch down tools effectively.

Punch Down Tool Description

Also referred to as krone tool, the punch down tool is a small hand tool most often used by telecom and data network technicians to install wiring for telephone, computer and various audio networks. This tool allows for the quick and effective cross-connection of wires through the use of 66-type or 110-type connection blocks.

Punch down tool is commonly used for the termination works in the copper network. It is used to terminate the Ethernet cables (Cat5/5e/6/6a) by inserting the cables wires into the insulation-displacement connectors (IDC) on the punch down blocks, patch panels, keystone modules, and surface mount of boxes. The name is thus derived from the method by which the tool pushes a solid copper wire between metal blades on the connection block, and cuts off the excess by punching the tool, driving the tool blade through the wire.

Guide to Using a Punch Down Tool

When there comes the need to repair or install cables, you’ll inevitably need to cut and secure wires. However, exposed wired can be dangerous and may cause your connections to short out. Punch down tool thus is necessary to ensure that your wires are secure, and meanwhile to help trim and contain the wires in a basic jack. Then how to use the punch down tool? Here we offer you a guide for reference.

Step One: Strip back the cable jacket

What should be noticed is that always leave about 2.5 inches (6 cm) at the end of the cable. Insert the cable into the cable stripping tool or modular crimping tool, and spin it around a few times. Then remove the jacket. Stripping back the cable will help you remove the jacket to expose enough of the cable, so you can separate it.

Step Two: Expose the wires

After removing the cable jacket, you will have a few inches of exposed cable. Then gently pull away the wire pairs from the center of the cable so they fan out. Separate the wire pairs by twisting in a counterclockwise motion. Try to straighten the ends as much as you can, and this can make them easier to terminate.

Step Three: Place the cable wires in the jack

Take the protective cover off the top of the jack and set the cable into the block of the jack. Insert each wire into its own separate slot, making sure that the wire matches the A or B configuration. The conductor wires should be extending out of the jack.

Note: Consider to choose between T568A or T568B wiring scheme. The T568B is becoming more popular since it can be used with older color codes as well as newer codes.

Step Four: Terminate the conductor wires

Take your punch down tool and press it down on the conductor wires to cut them. The angled (cut) part of the blade should contact with the long sturdy side of the jack. This will also make sure the wires that are cut are flush with the jack.

Note

• Be sure to punch straight down and not at an angle. This will prevent the jack from bending.
• A loud click along with the punch down action means that you’ve terminated the wire correctly.

Step Five: Inspect the wires

Look at each wire to make sure there is no overhang out the side of the jack. You should also make sure that the edge of the cable jacket is near the base of the jack and the wires you just terminated. The wires should be securely in place. If you notice wires sticking out the side, take a wire cutter and carefully trim the wire so that it’s flush with the jack.

Step Six: Place a dust cap on the jack.

Snap the dust caps in place to protect the wires. This will keep the connection secure and can prevent strain on the wires. The dust cap is also very easy to remove: simply pop off the dust cap using a flat-head screwdriver inserted into the indentation on the side.

Note: Fail to set the dust caps back on the jack indicates that your wires may not be seated correctly. It is better to check the wires again and make sure they are secure and trimmed.

Conclusion

Punch down tool is an easy-to-use and convenient network instruments that helps ease the difficulty of termination job. It also efficiently contributes to reduce termination time. FS.COM offers a wide range of punch down tools of top notch quality and with reasonable price. For more information, visit www.fs.com.

Originally published: http://www.fiber-optic-solutions.com/use-punch-down-tool.html

Cut Out Costly Mistakes With Fiber Optic Cleaver

There is no doubt that cleaving the fiber properly is critical to achieve good fiber optic splices or terminations, especially when using the pre-polished connectors with internal splices. Imprecisely cleaving of the fiber ends, therefore, will result in improper matching. So, the end of the fiber must be cleaved to a 90 degree flat end when it is prepared for a connector or splice. However, technicians often encountered the problem that the end of the fiber strand is so small, making it is impossible to tell whether the strand has a flat end. To ensure smooth and precise fiber cleaving, a fiber optic cleaver is much needed. And in this article, we will offer you some useful information about fiber optic cleaver.

What Is Fiber Optic Cleaver?

A cleave in an optical fiber is a deliberate, controlled break, which intends to create a perfectly flat end face, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber. A fiber optic cleaver is a tool that holds the fiber under low tension, scores the surface at the proper location, then applies greater tension until the fiber breaks. Usually, after the fiber being scored, the technician will use a cleaver either bends or pulls the fiber end, stressing the fiber. And the fiber will break at the score mark under this stress, leaving a 90 degree flat end if all goes well. So the cleaver doesn’t cut the fiber but just breaks the fiber at a specific length.

Two Types of Fiber Optic Cleavers

We know that the closer to 90 degrees the cleave is, the greater chance you will have to match it with another cleaved fiber, then be spliced or mated by a connector. Thus, a proper tool with good technique is demanded for consistently achieving a 90 degree flat end. Good cleavers are automatic and can produce consistent results, irrespective of the operator. The user only needs to clamp the fiber into the cleaver and operate its controls. Some cleavers are less automated, making them more dependent on operator technique and therefore less predictable. There are basically two broad categories of fiber optic cleavers: scribe cleavers and precision cleavers.

Scribe Cleavers

This type is based on a traditional cleaving method. It is typically used to remove excess fiber from the end of a connector before polishing, simply by using a hand tool called scribe. Scribe cleavers are usually shaped like ballpoint pens with diamond tipped wedges or come in the form of tile squares. The scribe has a hard, sharp tip, generally carbide or diamond, which is used to scratch the fiber manually. Then the operator pulls the fiber to break it. Since both the scribing and breaking process are under manual control, this method varies greatly in repeatability. Most field and lab technicians shy away from these cleavers as they are not accurate. However, if used in skilled hands, this scribe cleaver reduces the cost significantly for repairs, installation, and training classes.

Precision Cleavers

Precision cleavers are the most commonly used cleavers in the industry. They use a diamond or tungsten wheel/blade to provide the nick in the fiber. Tension is then applied to the fiber to create the cleaved end face. The advantage of these cleavers is that they can produce repeatable results through thousands of cleaves by simply rotating the wheel/blade accordingly. Although more costly than scribe cleavers, precision cleavers can cut multiple fibers at one time with increased speed, efficiency, and accuracy. While in the past, scribe cleavers were widely used for fiber cleaving, precision cleavers are now developed to support various applications and multiple fiber cleaving. Precision cleavers contribute to better cleave, which ensures low splice loss and precision cleavers, besides, its blades have a much longer life span.

Which One to Use: Scribe Cleaver or Precision Cleaver?

Then here comes the question: how to choose between scribe cleaver and precision cleaver? You can take this for reference: An experienced fiber optic technician achieves approximately 90% good cleaves with a scribe cleaver, while for precision cleaver, it produces 99% good cleaves. Since the difference is not big enough to help make a choice, I humbly suggest you to buy precision cleavers if you plan to use a lot of mechanical splices or pre-polished splice/connectors. And this will benefit you from the long run. If you decide to use inexpensive scribe cleavers, you’d better to learn how to use it properly. Follow directions, but also do what comes naturally to you when using the device, as they are sensitive to individual technique. Inspect the fibers you cleave to see how good they are and keep practicing until you can make consistently good cleaves.

Conclusion

Fiber optic cleaver serves as an essential tool to get better fiber cleaving, which as well contribute to the fiber splice and termination. There are two types of fiber optic cleaver available: scribe cleaver and precision cleaver, and you can choose one based on your specific requirements and applications. But no matter what you choose, enough practicing is needed to get consistently good cleavers.

First published: http://www.fiber-optic-solutions.com/cut-costly-mistakes-fiber-optic-cleaver.html

Introduction to Fiber Optic Cleaving

Optical fiber has brought changes to the telecommunication industry throughout the world, therefore, it is essential for us to learn some skills necessary for working with optical fiber. It is known to all that when adopting or splicing a fiber, clean ends should be assured. And cleaving serves as one of the basic and important steps to ensure fiber ends clean and smooth, thus the significance of cleaving process cannot be underestimated. This article aims at providing some basic knowledge about cleaving and introducing common tools for cleaving.

Basics of Fiber Optic Cleaving

Fiber optic cleaving is one of the several processes in the preparation for a fiber splice operation. The purpose of cleaving is to prepare the end of the fiber so that it makes a very nearly perfect right angle with the body of the fiber and that this end face is nearly perfectly smooth. With a well-performed cleaving operation, a clean and flat endface was created perpendicular to the length of the fiber, with no protruding glass on either end. Besides it can also help to achieve a successful low loss splice of an optical fiber.

The technique of Fiber Optic Cleaving

A general strategy involved in the technique of fiber optic cleaving is known as the scribe-and-tension or scribe-and-break strategy. With the use of cutting tool made from materials such as diamond, sapphire or tungsten carbide, this process involves the introduction of a crack in the fiber, then followed by the application of tensile stress in the vicinity of the crack.

However, the specific implementations of the cleaving can be various thus lead to cleaves of different qualities. Some implementations may apply the tensile force uniformly across the cross section of the fiber while others might bend the fiber around a curved surface, causing excessive tensile stress on the outside of the bend. Besides, the crack in the fiber may also be generated in different ways: the crack may be introduced at a single point on the circumference or it may be generated all along the circumference of the fiber prior to the application of the tensile force. The circumferential introduction of the crack often allows fibers of considerably large diameters to be cleaved while maintaining high quality of the cleave.

Common Cleaving Tools

Basically, there are two kinds of cleaving tools which are commonly employed in fiber optic cleaving: pen-shaped scribe and mechanical cleaver.

Pen-shaped scribe looks like a ballpoint pen, but with a small wedge tip made of diamond or other hard material that is used to scratch the fiber manually. After scratching the fiber, the operator pulls the fiber to break it. In essence, both the scribing and breaking process are under manual control, making it more dependent on operator technique and less predictable as they require operators to exert force manually for breaking the fiber. So, an experienced operator is required to produce good cleaves.

And the other tool is mechanical cleaver, which is widely used because it can produce nicer and more repeatable cleaves. This cleaver is much easier to use thus the specific training is not essential. Just clamp the fiber in the correct position into the cleaver. Then, a force is applied and the fiber gives a nice break at the scribe.

Conclusion

Since fiber splicing requires mating two fiber ends together, any defect of the ends would impact the performance of fiber splicing. So in order to achieve good fiber optic splices or terminations, it is extremely important to cleave the fiber properly. And a good cleaver can help better finish the whole cleaving process.

First published: http://www.fiber-optic-components.com/introduction-to-fiber-optic-cleaving.html