When damage is observed upon inspecting an end-face, it must be determined what needs to be done, if anything. Some damage may be minor enough to ignore while other problems require complete re-termination. Chipped end-faces? Scratched and epoxy bleed fiber end-face? Cracked or shattered fiber end-face?
Solution: Visually determine if chips are within acceptable limits, up to 5% of the outside edge of the fiber cladding generally may be chipped, as this is a common result of the polishing process. Any chips on the fiber core are not acceptable. If chips are beyond acceptable limits, the fiber should be re-terminated.
Solution: If the end-face is scratched, has polishing debris or has excess epoxy bleed, then repolish it with fine lapping paper until visual inspection shows scratches and debris gone.
Solution: If the end-face is cracked or shattered, then re-terminate the fiber. Cracks can spread, making the end-face unacceptable.
Once contamination has been discovered using a fiber microscope, it is crucial that it be properly removed to avoid creating more problems. Proper cleaning products and procedures are a requirement as improper processes are not only ineffective, but also potentially damaging. Effective fiber optic end-face cleaning involves two key components: specialized solvent and wipes or swabs. Fiber optic solvent is required to dissolve certain contaminants and to act as a lubricant so that debris does not scratch the end-face as it is removed. Do not use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as this chemical can leave a residue as it dries. Kits offered by Fluke Networks contain everything needed for precision cleaning of end-faces on connectors and inside ports. After cleaning, always inspect the end-face again before insertion to guarantee all contaminants were removed. If necessary, repeat your cleaning steps to remove any lingering soils not removed by the first cycle.
Fluke Networks’ fiber microscopes will allow you to avoid the most common problem with fiber networks. In a survey commissioned by Fluke Networks, dirty end-faces were found to be the #1 cause of fiber link failure. It is estimated that 85% of fiber failures are due to end-face contamination. So it is imperative to inspect and, if necessary, clean end-faces every time they are mated.
It is equally important to inspect and clean both sides of any connection as contamination can migrate from one end-face to another upon insertion. In addition, do not wait until you experience a problem to first clean. Dirt or debris crushed between two end-faces in a mating can cause permanent damage such as cracks, scratches or pits that require re-termination, not just cleaning.
| Model Number/Name | Description |
| FT600 | FiberInspector Pro Video Microscope Includes FT650 Fiber Probe, FT630 Fiber Display, AC adapter/battery charger, probe adapter tips (ST, SC, FC and universal 2.5mm patch cord tip) and hard carrying case. See Photo |
| Model Number/Name | Description |
| OFTM-5352 | FiberInspector Pro Video Probe ( 200x/ 400x) option for OptiFiber: includes an FT650 Fiber probe, interface cable, and probe adapter tips (ST, SC, FC and universal 2.5mm patch cord tip) |
| OPV-FT600 | OptiView Fiber Inspector |
| Model Number/Name | Description |
| NF360 | MT-RJ Video Probe Adapter Tip |
| NFC-Kit-Case | Fiber Optic Cleaning Kit. See Photo |
| NF362 | Bulkhead LC Video Probe Adapter Tip |
| NF364 | MU Video Probe Adapter Tip |
| NF366 | E2000 Video Probe Adapter Tip |
| NF370 | MTP/MPO Video Probe Adapter Tip |
| NF395 | Bulkhead APC/SC Video Probe Adapter Tip |
| NF368 | 1.25mm Universal Video Probe Adapter Tip for Male Ends. See Photo |
| NF300R | Replacement Tip Set for Video Probe Adapter Tips (SC, ST, FC, 2.5mm Universal tips) |
| Model Number/Name | Description |
| GLD-FTINSPECTOR | 1 year support |
|
FT600 |
|
|
Temperature range |
Operating: 0º C to 40º C |
|
Humidity range |
Operating: 0 % to 45 % RH non-condensing; Storage: 0 % to 95 % RH non-condensing |
|
Certifications |
CE |
|
Weight |
.8 lbs (0.4 kg) |
| FT630 Display | |
| Display type |
3.5 in (9 cm) TFT, active matrix, 320 x 240 pixels |
|
Video output |
NTSC |
|
Power source |
Lithium Ion or AC power |
|
Battery life |
2 hours continuous use |
|
Dimensions |
4.3 in x 9.1 in x 2.6 in (10 cm x 5.3 cm x 22 cm) |
|
Weight |
.8 lbs (0.4 kg) |
| FT650 Fiber Probe | |
|
Magnification |
Low magnification: 250X |
|
Camera type |
0.33 in (8.38 mm) CCD with adjustable focus |
|
Light source |
LED |
|
Lighting technique |
Coaxial |
|
Dimensions |
1.8 in x 1.7 in x 5.5 in (4.57 cm x 4.32 cm x 14 cm) |
|
Weight |
.4 lbs (0.18 kg) |
| Title/Description | Download | |
Fiber Troubleshooting Quick-Reference Guide
Optical Fiber Cabling for Data Communication – Test and Troubleshooting Quick-Reference Guide | Download PDF (5.27 MB) |
| Title/Description | Download | |
Fiber Inspection and Cleaning Series Datasheet
Fiber Inspection and Cleaning Series Datasheet | Download PDF (2.31 MB) |
| Title/Description | Download | |
Fluke Networks' Solution Catalog
64 page guide to selection and ordering Fluke Networks' Solutions and Products | Download PDF (6.39 MB) |
| Title/Description | Download | |
See how to prevent costly fiber problems before they begin Application Note
Learn how time, money and problems can be saved simply by inspecting and cleaning fiber on a regular basis. | Download PDF (112 KB) | |
Application Note: How to Choose the Right Power Meter Light Source
Top 4 Questions to Ask a Power Meter Light Source Vendor | Download PDF (532 KB) |
| Title/Description | Download | |
Best Practices for Fiber Optic Installation Start with Inspection
This white paper will help you understand what to look for and when, how to inspect and clean and best practices for installation. | Download PDF (378 KB) | |
Fiber Test Best Practices: Inspect and Clean
Fiber Test Best Practices: Inspection and Cleaning | Download PDF (192 KB) |
| Title/Description | Download | |
Fiber Instruments Comparison Guide
Side-by-side comparison of the fiber tools you need for inspection and cleaning, loss-length certification, and fiber plant characteriziation and troubleshooting. | Download PDF (394 KB) | |
Cleaning Fiber Optic Connectors Instructions
Cleaning Fiber Optic Connectors Instructions | Download PDF (57 KB) |
| Title/Description | Demo | |
Fiber End-face Inspection and Cleaning Virtual Demo | View Demo |

