The tenets of IEC 61300-3-35 have influenced and contributed to numerous standards. These include: a.) the importance of cleaning the fiber optic connection, b.) the concept of diameter of debris or contamination, and, c.) the area of the end face to be cleaned, d.) methods of cleaning. As capacity and bandwidth expand, deployments updated, and new technicians trained, a clear understanding of several other tenets of precision cleaning the connection may also be considered.
There are many types of debris and contamination. Some are dry Figure-1 and others are fluidic Figure-2. Debris on an end face may also be present in combination Figure-3. The cleaning procedure should strive to be a first time event. A best practice procedure can be identified that does not require multiple techniques and numerous attempts.
Dry, fluidic, or combinations of contaminants also have height Figure-4.(12) Commonly used cleaning techniques can create fluidic contamination outside the field of view of most video inspection and software analysis Figure-5. Another technique can create a static field that attracts additional debris Figure-1.(8)
There are well established tenets, present in everyday life, that point the direction to properly cleaning the fiber optic connection. Dry wipers, use of solvents and surfactants, and identification of debris or contamination are every-day choices. These are relevant to precision clean a fiber optic connection.
Ineffective cleaning fiber optic cleaning procedures may result in debris being mis-characterized as an artifact. Currently, IEC 61300-3-35 is relative to both production line applications (OEM) and field service (OSP) applications. Various standards are based on IEC. In this work the term OEM refers to Original Equipment Manufacturer or a production line environment. The term OSP refers to Outside Plant/Field Service, or the installation and the post production line maintenance environment.
This paper is an effort to define and update inspection and cleaning procedures to facilitate existing operations and anticipate future needs.
