OTDR connector cleaning, recalibrating
To help ensure exfo OTDR long, trouble-free operation:
- Always inspect fiber-optic connectors before using them and clean them if necessary.
- Keep the unit free of dust.
- Clean the unit casing and front panel with a cloth slightly dampened with water.
- Store unit at room temperature in a clean and dry area. Keep the unit out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid high humidity or significant temperature fluctuations.
- Avoid unnecessary shocks and vibrations.
- If any liquids are spilled on or into the unit, turn off the power immediately, disconnect from any external power source, remove the batteries and let the unit dry completely.
WARNING: The use of controls, adjustments and procedures, namely for operation and maintenance, other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure or impair the protection provided by this unit.
Cleaning EUI Connectors
Regular cleaning of EUI connectors will help maintain optimum performance. There is no need to disassemble the unit.
IMPORTANT: If any damage occurs to internal connectors, the module casing will have to be opened and a new calibration will be required.
WARNING: Looking into the optical connector while the light source is active WILL result in permanent eye damage. EXFO strongly recommends to TURN OFF the unit before proceeding with the cleaning procedure.
To clean EUI connectors:
1. Remove the EUI from the instrument to expose the connector baseplate and ferrule.
2. Moisten a 2.5 mm cleaning tip with one drop of isopropyl alcohol (alcohol may leave traces if used abundantly).
3. Slowly insert the cleaning tip into the EUI adapter until it comes out on the other side (a slow clockwise rotating movement may help).
4. Gently turn the cleaning tip one full turn, then continue to turn as you withdraw it.
5. Repeat steps 3 to 4 with a dry cleaning tip.
Note: Make sure you don’t touch the soft end of the cleaning tip.
6. Clean the ferrule in the connector port as follows:
6a. Deposit one drop of isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free wiping cloth.
IMPORTANT: Isopropyl alcohol may leave residues if used abundantly or left to evaporate (about 10 seconds). Avoid contact between the tip of the bottle and the wiping cloth, and dry the surface quickly.
6b. Gently wipe the connector and ferrule.
6c. With a dry lint-free wiping cloth, gently wipe the same surfaces to ensure that the connector and ferrule are perfectly dry.
6d. Verify connector surface with a portable fiber-optic microscope (for example, EXFO’s FOMS) or fiber inspection probe (for example, EXFO’s FIP).
7. Put the EUI back onto the instrument (push and turn clockwise).
8. Throw out cleaning tips and wiping cloths after one use.
Recalibrating the Unit
EXFO manufacturing and service center calibrations are based on the ISO/IEC 17025 standard (General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories). This standard states that calibration documents must not contain a calibration interval and that the user is responsible for determining the re-calibration date according to the actual use of the instrument.
The validity of specifications depends on operating conditions. For example, the calibration validity period can be longer or shorter depending on the intensity of use, environmental conditions and unit maintenance, as well as the specific requirements for your application. All of these elements must be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate calibration interval of this particular EXFO unit.
Under normal use, the recommended interval for your OTDR is: one year.
For newly delivered units, EXFO has determined that the storage of this product for up to six months between calibration and shipment does not affect its performance (EXFO Policy PL-03).
To help you with calibration follow-up, EXFO provides a special calibration label that complies with the ISO/IEC 17025 standard and indicates the unit calibration date and provides space to indicate the due date. Unless you
have already established a specific calibration interval based on your own empirical data and requirements, EXFO would recommend that the next calibration date be established according to the following equation: Next calibration date = Date of first usage (if less than six months after the calibration date) + Recommended calibration period (one year)
To ensure that your unit conforms to the published specifications, calibration may be carried out at an EXFO service center or, depending on the product, at one of EXFO’s certified service centers. Calibrations at EXFO are performed using standards traceable to national metrology institutes.
Note:: You may have purchased a FlexCare plan that covers calibrations. See the Service and Repairs section of this user documentation for more information on how to contact the service centers and to see if your plan qualifies.
Source: EXFO OTDR Users Manual
