One-Push Cleaner — A Practical Tool for Cleaning Connector

We know that the interface of each fiber optic component should be kept clean because dirt and dust can completely obscure the light wavelength and affect the network performance. For fiber optic connector which plays an important role in a complete optical link, it is impossible to ensure that it does not get dirty. Therefore, cleaning connector is a key task. This post is going to introduce a practical tool for cleaning connector to you—one-push cleaner as well as how to use it.

Overview of One-Push Cleaner

The one-push cleaner is applicable for cleaning both connectors and adapters with one-push action. It utilizes dry cleaning without any alcohol and other harsh chemicals. In addition, the one-push cleaner uses the mechanical push action to advance an optical grade cleaning tape while the cleaning tip is rotated to ensure the fiber end-face is effectively, but gently cleaned. Simply insert the one-push cleaner into the connector or the adapter and push until you hear an audible “push”. According to different types of fiber optic connectors, there are three types of one-push cleaners—1.25mm LC/MU one-push cleaner, 2.5mm SC/ST/FC one-push cleaner and MTP/MPO one-push cleaner. The following part will focus on their structures and usages.

1.25mm LC/MU and 2.5mm SC/ST/FC One-push Cleaner

1.25mm one-push pen cleaner is an easy-to-use option for cleaning MU and LC connectors and exposed 1.25mm ferrules, while 2.5mm one-push pen cleaner is designed to clean SC, ST, FC and LSH  connectors and exposed 2.5mm ferrules. Since one-push cleaner can be used to clean both connectors and adapters whose interfaces are different, the operation methods of different applications are different.

one-push cleaner

Cleaning Connectors Installed In Adapters (Bulkhead Applications)
  1. Remove the dust cap and cover from the cleaner tip.
  2. Insert cleaner tip into the adapter.
  3. Push the cleaner body to start cleaning the connector end face until you hear an audible “click” sound which indicates the cleaning process is finished.

cleaning connector in adapters

Cleaning Connectors Not Installed In Adapters
  1. Open the cover of the dust cap.
  2. Insert cleaner tip into the connector.
  3. Push the cleaner body to start cleaning the connector end face until you hear an audible “click” sound which indicates the cleaning process is finished.

cleaning connectors

MTP/MPO One-push Cleaner

MTP/MPO one-push cleaner uses the innovative push-to-clean design for cleaning MTP/MPO fiber connector used in data centers and other high density optical networks, which simplifies the cleaning of the ferrule end-face of MTP/MPO fiber connector. The mechanical push action advances the optical grade cleaning tape while effectively and gently cleaning the end-face of the MTP/MPO fiber connector. The following figure shows the structure of MTP/MPO one-push cleaner. Cleaning head is used to lead the cleaning cloth to the fiber optic connector and face; protective cap protects cleaner from dust; thumb wheel has several rounds of linear polyester used for cleaning.

MPO pen cleaner

For cleaning connector and adapter, the operation steps are different.

Cleaning Connectors Installed In Adapters (Bulkhead Applications)
  1. Pull off the protective cap.
  2. Insert cleaner tip into the adapter and turn the thumb wheel backwards until “click” two times.

cleaning MTP/MPO connectors in adapter

Cleaning Connectors Not Installed In Adapters
  1. Carefully open the protective cap cover.
  2. Insert the cleaner tip into the connector, apply slight pressure and turn the thumb wheel backwards until “click” two times.

MTP MPO cleaner

Conclusion

In order to get high level optical performance, it is imperative that fiber optic connections are clean and free of contaminants. Fiber optic cleaning product is being highly recommended as a kind of very important tool for data center cabling. One-push cleaner is a practical tool for cleaning fiber end-face without the use of alcohol and it can be used for about 600 to 800 times. It is really a cost-effective solution for fiber optic connector cleaning.