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Cleaning the DTX Compact OTDR Module

Setting Up for OTDR Testing / Cleaning DTX OTDR Module
Always clean and inspect fiber connectors before making connections. Use fiber optic solvent and optical-grade wipes or swabs to clean connectors as follows:

Cleaning Bulkhead Connectors
 

  1. Touch the tip of a fiber optic solvent pen or swab soaked in solvent to a lint-free dry wipe or fiber cleaning card.
  2. Touch a new, dry swab to the solvent spot on the wipe or card. Push the swab into the connector, twist it around 3 to 5 times against the end-face, then remove and dispose of the swab.
  3. Dry the connector with a dry swab by twisting it around in the connector 3 to 5 times.
  4. Inspect connectors with a fiber microscope, such as the Fluke Networks FiberInspector Video Microscope before making connections.

Cleaning Fiber Adapters
Periodically clean fiber adapters with a swab and fiber optic solvent. Dry with a dry swab before use. 

Cleaning Connector Ends

  1. Touch the tip of a fiber optic solvent pen or swab soaked in solvent to a lint-free dry wipe or fiber cleaning card.
  2. Wipe the connector end-face across the solvent spot, then back and forth once across the dry area of the wipe or card.

    Notes
    Some connector styles, such as VF-45, may require a different cleaning method.
    Always cover unused connectors with protective caps. Clean caps periodically with a swab or wipe and fiber optic solvent.

Cleaning the OTDR Ports
Use a dry, optical-grade wipe to clean the OTDR ports. Figure 1 below shows how to remove the OTDR adapter to access the connector ferrule.

OTDR Ports Cleaning Procedure
Figure 1. Cleaning the OTDR Ports

 


The OTDR port connection quality screen helps you determine when the OTDR ports needs cleaning. See Figure 2.

 



Figure 2. OTDR Port Connection Quality Gauge

 


If the port is very dirty, wipe the end of the ferrule with an optical-grade wipe lightly moistened with fiber optic solvent. Dry with a dry wipe.


See the Fluke Networks FiberInspector™ Mini, a convenient video microscope enables end-face inspection inside ports and on patch cords. 

Also available, are the Fiber Optic Cleaning Kits, the complete solution for precision end-face cleaning.