Cleaning the Optical Array Cable Connectors

This chapter provides instructions for cleaning the ferrules in the optical array cable connectors. These connectors are at both ends of the fiber-optic cables that connect the S13 cards in the line card chassis (LCC) to the optical interface modules (OIMs) in the fabric card chassis (FCC).

This chapter presents the following topics:

•Information About Cleaning the Optical Array Cable Connectors

•How to Clean the Optical Array Cable Connectors

Information About Cleaning the Optical Array Cable Connectors

The optical array cables interconnect the S2 fabric cards in the LCC with the OIMs in the FCC. To clean the ferrules in the cable connectors, place the OIM/S13 array adapter over each cable connector and insert the cleaning tool, as shown in Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1 Sample Optical Array Cable Connector, Cleaning Adapter, and Cleaning Tool

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Optical array cable connector

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Cleaning tool

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OIM/S13 cleaning adapter

   

How to Clean the Optical Array Cable Connectors

Each optical array cable connector contains six optical ferrules. To access all ferrules, you must clean three ferrules and then rotate the adapter 180 degrees to clean the remaining three ferrules. This section describes the process to clean all ferrules in an optical array cable.

Warning Because invisible radiation may be emitted from the aperture of the port when no fiber cable is connected, avoid exposure to radiation and do not stare into open apertures. Statement 125

Warning Class 1M laser radiation when open. Do not view directly with optical instruments. Statement 281

Caution Before you begin, review the "General Reminders and Warnings" section.

To clean the optical array cable connectors, follow these steps:

Step 1 Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap to your wrist and connect its leash to an ESD connection socket or a bare metal surface on the chassis.

Step 2 Attach the adapter, as shown in Figure 2-2. Be sure to align the pins on the cable with the pin holes on the adapter.

Figure 2-2 Example of Adapter Placement on Array Cable

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Alignment pin holes on the OIM/S13 array adapter

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Example of an adapter properly installed on an optical array cable

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Alignment pins on the optical array cable

   

Step 3 Wrap your hand around the adapter and trunk array to prevent movement during cleaning.

Figure 2-3 Cleaning an Optical Array Cable Connector

Step 4 Insert the cleaning tool into the first adapter slot. Align the key on the cleaning tool with the matching notch in the adapter slot. The cleaning tool works only when the cleaning head is properly inserted.

Step 5 Advance the thumb wheel until you hear two hard clicks. This advancement ensures that enough lint-free cleaning cloth advances across the face of the fibers in the ferrule.

Note The thumb wheel makes a series of soft clicks followed by a "hard click" when turned. The hard click is represented by six large notches along the edge of the thumb wheel. Always advance the thumb wheel until you hear two hard clicks.

Step 6 Clean the three visible ferrules and then rotate the array adapter 180 degrees to clean the remaining three ferrules.

Step 7 Repeat these steps for all optical array cable connectors that require cleaning.

Note Always keep the protective silver dust end-caps on cable connectors that are not in use.