Frequently Asked Questions
Sticklers™ from MicroCare are being used around the world to deliver cleaner connectors and faster networks. In this section you will find answers to many of the questions we get asked every day about fiber, alcohol, cleaning, networking and industry "best practices."
Technical Glossary
Cleaning Procedures
Specific Questions about the Sticklers™ cleaning products
Application Questions
Commercial Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 16:
What Is Wet-Dry Cleaning?
In an NFOEC paper from 2007 entitled "Accumulation of Particles Near the Core During Repetitive Fiber Connector Matings and De-matings" noted that static, generated by rubbing an end-face with a dry wipe, acted like a magnet and attracted particulate and other contamination.
The report also noted "...the effect could be reduced by the application of ionized air or by a cleaning fluid, instead of a dry cleaning process, [with] both methods neutralizing the electrostatic charge at the connector end face." These tests were performed by iNEMI and the solvents tested were the MicroCare Fiber Connector Cleaner (#FCC03M) and MicroCare Fiber Preparation Fluid (#FPF03M). Both of these solvents are static-dissipative.
(Note: Since that report was written, those two products have been supplanted with the latest innovation from MicroCare, the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M).
In short, wet-dry cleaning improves the cleaning process because it automatically dissipates static and eliminates recontamination from airborne particulate.
Wet-dry cleaning also enables the extra cleaning power of solvents to dissolve soluble contaminants (such as salts) and is miscible with liquid contamination that mere dry cleaning might miss.
This is not a surprise. Almost everything is cleaned using the universal four-step process for cleaning: wet, scrub, rinse and dry. Skip any one of the four steps, and cleaning suffers. Make it easy to perform all four steps and quality jumps. That's the premise behind the Sticklers™ cleaning products.
Many products can get close to delivering fast and convenient wet-dry cleaning, but none but the Sticklers™ fiber optic cleaners are engineered from the ground up as a unified system to do the complete job at the lowest possible cost.
Rel. 2-1-2010
On a fiber optic network, the single most common type of signal loss is "Insertion Loss." This refers to a condition found when contamination blocks or partially blocks the optical packet from passing from one connector through the end-face into the next connector. For example, if a network has a budget of 4dB and every connector or splice has an insertion loss of, say, 0.7 dB, after 5-6 connectors the signal budget may be exceeded and the packet of light it may be too feeble to be detected. So every connector must be cleaned and inspected every time it is installed, tested and/or reconfigured. Even brand-new connectors, straight out of the bag, must be cleaned.
The Sticklers™ family of cleaners and tools make it easy and fast to take proper care of your connectors. So do the right thing -- and avoid the customer complaints -- and properly clean when you install, troubleshoot or upgrade any fiber optic system.
Released 9-12-2008
FAQ 19:
What Is "Back Reflection"?
On a fiber optic network, another problematic condition is "back reflection" or "return loss." This phenomenon occurs when the two connectors are separated by a slight gap, say, a gap caused by a particle of dust. At the air-glass interface -- which should not exist because the two fiber cores should be in direct contact with each other -- the end-face reflects back some portion of the signal towards the originating laser. This problem can be easily detected with an OTDR or a simple visual inspection.
The Sticklers™ family of cleaners make it easy and fast to get the dust and particles out of your connectors. So do the right thing -- and avoid the customer complaints -- and properly clean when you install, troubleshoot or upgrade any fiber optic system.
Released 9-12-2008
FAQ 21:
How Is the Sticklers™ Cleaning Liquid Different from Alcohol or Other Cleaners?
The Sticklers™ products have been engineered from the ground up specifically for cleaning fiber optics. Specifically, the Sticklers ™ Fiber Optic Splice & Connector Cleaner has important attributes that no other cleaner in the industry can match:
• Safe, effective IPA alcohol replacement
• Cleans better than IPA or acetone
• Faster drying than IPA alcohol (a much lower boiling point means the cleaning fluid
will not stay trapped within the expansion slit on the alignment sleeve)
• Makes same squeak as IPA alcohol when cleaning glass fiber
• Will not harm soft polymers or acrylics
• Ideal for fusion splicing, termination and connector end-face cleaning.
• Works best with the super-clean Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes™ or the Sticklers™ Outdoor CleanWipes™
• Nonflammable, nonhazardous
• Can be shipped without hazmat paperwork or fees (even when shipping by air). It even can even be carried on airplanes
• Static dissipative (eliminates static charge build up on connector end-faces)
For the most up-to-date info on the industry's best practices for cleaning fiber optic systems, check out the Case Studies on this web site.
Revised 9-1-2008
FAQ 22:
What Is the Best Replacement for Methanol When Cleaning Optical Devices?
It's a good idea to avoid methanol. Most fiber optic cleaning is done with isopropanol, also called "IPA" or "isopropyl alcohol," not methanol.
Methanol is a different type of alcohol with a toxicity rating of 250ppm. However, it is absorbed through the skin, so you don't even have to inhale it or accidentally drink it to become affected. Once methanol is in the body, it is absorbed by the liver where it stays forever, gradually causing cirrhosis (liver failure). It's also flammable and smelly. So getting rid of methanol is an excellent plan.
To clean coated/multi-layer coated optics, the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) meets all of your requirements. It is ozone-safe and low in VOCs (which cause smog). It cleans well, leaves no residues, dissolves contamination instead of smears it, and is far, far safer than the methanol you're currently using. Available in the benchtop-sized 3 oz./85 gram Triton™ mini-pump canister, it's perfect for use in labs, factories and clean rooms. Other packaging is available for customers needing larger quantities.
The Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner has been proven safe for all the coatings and substrates upon which it has been tested, even the sensitive LCD screen on laptop computers, Blackberrys, iPhones and PDAs. It's in-stock and ready to ship from authorized distributors around the world.
The Sticklers™ team understands the ultra-high performance demands of the photonics/optic industry. Indeed, fiber optics demand more performance from their cleaning solvents that the medical device industry, electronics and even aerospace .So these products will work great, and will out-perform methanol or any other cleaner on the market today.
We also recommend you use the cleaning fluid with the Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes™, which are super-soft and highly absorbent.
Updated 8-19-2008
FAQ 27:
What Happens If Fiber Optic Connectors Are Not Perfectly Clean?
Your choice is simple: you either can clean properly when you install the system, or you can go back (again and again) and troubleshoot the network until the problem is found and fixed. This is particularly true for the new, high-speed fiber optic networks operating above 600mHz. The specific problems include:
• Initial Cleaning. If a connector is not cleaned properly initially, the odds are that insertion loss will increase or back reflection will increase, or both. In this case the network will suffer performance problems immediately, and the problems will exacerbate when the network speeds increase.
• Reconfigurations. If network components are reconfigured without following proper cleaning procedures, it is very likely that clean connectors will be contaminated by dirty connectors. Performance problems will result, especially if the reason for the reconfiguration was to boost network speeds.
• Troubleshooting. If a network is disrupted for testing or upgrades, and proper cleaning is not performed, then once again the signal will be degraded and problems will be encountered when the network is brought back on-line.
The bottom line is this: Cleaning must be a priority for all personnel who come in contact with an optical network. If you don't clean properly, you're going to spend MORE money trouble-shooting the network and re-working the connectors.
Do it right the first time. Clean EVERY connector, every time you touch it.
Rev. 9-12-2008
FAQ 33:
What Happens If It's Not Possible to Inspect the Connectors?
Cleaning and inspection go together. Nobody should be installing or maintaining a fiber optic network without the proper inspection tools. If you don't know the condition of your end-faces, you cannot predict the performance of your network.
It is always possible to inspect the connectors. If you can mate a connector you can inspect it. Inspection Is Essential!
With even an inexpensive inspection scope, you will see and be able to correct any scratches, pits, cracks in the end-face that will degrade your system. More importantly, you also will see any contamination on connector end-faces. Both of these problems increase optical losses, potentially exceeding the network's budget and decreasing the performance of the system.
And here's a surprising piece of advice: too powerful an inspection scope is not useful. If the scope offers too much magnification (more than 200x or so) the technicians will only be able to inspect the area around the fiber and core. There may be contamination outside of the contact area that can easily migrate inward and cause problems that will be missed. A better option is an scope working in the 80-200x range.
There may be contamination outside of that area -- especially if you are cleaning with "one-click" style cleaning tools -- that will be hidden. The best option is an inexpensive scope working in the 80-150x magnification.
(Note: The Sticklers™ team doesn't sell inspection gear, but every major distributor carries the important brands.)
Released 9-12-2008
FAQ 34:
What's Wrong with Using Alcohol to Clean Fiber Optic Connectors?
As a note of background, isopropyl alcohol (also called "rubbing alcohol", "isopropanol" or simply "IPA") is a colorless, flammable chemical compound with a strong odor. It is widely used around the world as a mild industrial solvent. It has the molecular formula C3H8O and is an isomer of propanol.
Historically, the standard practice for cleaning fiber optic connectors involved using 99%pure, laboratory-grade isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as the cleaning liquid, in conjunction with lint-free wipes and cleaning swabs. This practice began when both the laser output and the communication bandwidth over fiber was relatively low compared to today's long haul WDM (Wave Division Multiplexing) or DWDM (Dense Wave Division Multiplexing) systems. While IPA alcohol is cheap, it is not the world's best solvent. So on modern, high-speed fiber installations, IPA alcohol should no longer be used.
Here's why:
- First of all, 99% pure IPA alcohol is not readily available to non-laboratory personnel. Only lower grades of IPA alcohol are readily available at local suppliers. So if you're using IPA alcohol, almost certainly you're not cleaning with the ultra-pure material originally specified.
- IPA alcohol is very slow-drying. This is a problem inside a alignment sleeve. The alcohol can be trapped in the expansion joints along the side of the sleeve. When the connector is inserted, the sleeves expand and the alcohol leaches out on to the surface of the connector. In minor cases, this leaves a residue on the end-face which degrades the network. In the most extreme cases high-powered lasers have actually destroyed connectors when the light instantly boiled traces of alcohol left on the end-face.
- IPA alcohol has a pronounced aroma. Working in confined spaces with weak ventilation using smelly chemicals is a bad idea.
- IPA alcohol also is "infinitely hygroscopic." This means that IPA alcohol will absorb water out of the air. This water dilutes the IPA alcohol and weakens the cleaning capabilities. Water absorbed from the air also will contain contaminants which will be left as residues when the IPA alcohol dries. Practically speaking, IPA alcohol is self-polluting whenever it is exposed to the air.
- IPA alcohol is very light, about 75% of the weight of water. This makes it a weak cleaner because it cannot get under contamination and float it away. For better cleaning, a dense liquid (30% heavier than water) will produce significantly better results.
- The normal packaging of alcohol is substandard. For example, IPA alcohol will become contaminated when it is poured into a dispenser or whenever a container is left uncovered. This contamination is the source of the "haze" that IPA alcohol leaves on surfaces after cleaning. This "haze" on the end of a fiber optic connector can become "baked" onto the glass when high-power lasers are used (30dBm). The haze obviously will interfere with transmission of light and also may have effect the transmission of one wave length verses another wave length, which can be very troubling to WDM or DWDM systems.
- In terms of handling and storage, IPA alcohol is difficult to handle. It is highly flammable and is considered hazardous. It cannot be readily shipped by air and requires special packaging to be shipped by ground. This means that when technicians arrive at a remote location to install or repair systems, they often cannot bring their cleaning liquids with them, so the connectors don't get cleaned. Even more commonly, technicians run out of supplies and request their replacement products be shipped in by FedEx or DHL. This is either expensive or impossible with IPA alcohol. A better choice would be a nonflammable, nonhazardous material.
- Lastly, IPA alcohol isn't great for the environment. It is a volatile organic compound ("VOC"). VOC emissions are restricted in some metropolitan areas due to their contribution to smog (they contribute to low-altitude smog).
The best alternatives to IPA alcohol will have the following characteristics:
• Nonflammable
• Non-hygroscopic (or at least only slightly hygroscopic)
• Fast-drying
• Low aroma
• Very good solvency or cleaning power
• Excellent toxicity
• Benign on the environment
• Easy to ship and store, even by air
• Long shelf life
The new Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner fits these requirements. It is dense, nonflammable, non-hazardous and only mildly hygroscopic. It is packaged in hermetically-sealed pump dispensers which will keep the solvent pure until it is dispensed. Importantly, because these materials are safer than IPA, they can be shipped by any mode, including air, without special paper work, packaging or extra fees. The Sticklers™ cleaner also is very fast-drying, so the liquid will evaporate quickly and will not stay lodged within the expansion slit on the alignment sleeve. In addition, the Sticklers™ cleaning fluid is very compatible with any modern optical media.
Released 11-5-2008
FAQ 38:
What Is the Shelf Life of Sticklers™ Products?
Assuming the products are stored properly, the shelf life is unlimited on all Sticklers™ products. "Stored properly" means in the cool, clean, dry location, out of extreme heat or humidity, and out of direct sunlight.
To determine the age of a product, Sticklers™ prints a date code on the bag, label, box or bottom of the can of all products. The first digit is the year of manufacture, the next three digits are the day of the year the product was made, and the remaining digits describe details of specifics production runs and chemical batches.
Updated 6-3-2009
FAQ 39:
What Can I Use to Clean Lenses and Optics?
The Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) which is ideal for cleaning lasers, lenses and other optical components. This product is formulated for the most demanding cleaning applications, such as mirrors, prisms, diffraction gratings and plastic fiber optic cable. It's plastic-safe, nonflammable and fast-drying. It lifts away particulate, fingerprint oils, salts and other residues. Double-filtered to 0.2 microns, this cleaner dissipates the static bonds which "glues" particulate onto surfaces.
It also is very heavy and dense, so it lifts insoluble particulate. Packaged in unique, spill-proof TravelSAFE™ containers using the Triton™ dispensing system, nonhazardous Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner can be shipped with tools, supplies or equipment so technicians can go right to work rather than wasting time trying to source cleaners locally.
Use the Sticklers cleaning fluid with Sticklers™ CleanWipes™. In particular, the Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes™ (#MCC-WFW) and the larger Lint-Free Wipes (#MCC-WF44) both were engineered for cleaning optical devices. Made from pure, nonwoven polyester, these wipes are affordable, lint-free and ultra-absorbent, so they get the contamination that ordinary papers leave behind.
Updated 6-3-2009
FAQ 40:
Can I Take Stickers™ Cleaners on Commercial Aircraft? What does "TravelSAFE" Mean?
The Stickers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) is the world's most popular TravelSAFE™ cleaner. Packaged in a 3 oz./85 gram pump spray, you can actually carry it through airport security and on to the plane (in the clear, one-liter plastic bag, of course).
In addition, you can ship this cleaner via UPS, TNT, DHL or FedEx and not pay any hazmat charges, because it is a hazardous material. These savings can be huge: hazmat shipments cost 200-400% more than normal, non-hazardous freight costs.
The TravelSAFE™ package complies with all applicable safety regulations. Specifically, the TravelSAFE™ products are nonhazardous as defined by: IATA "Dangerous Goods Regulations" (44th Edition) for air transport; by the Code of Federal Regulations; Title 49, Subchapter C, Parts 171 thru 180 for ground transport; and by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), "International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code" Amendment 31, for ocean shipments.
For details about these cleaners, contact Sticklers™ or your local distributor.
Updated 1-28-2008
FAQ 41:
What Is the Triton™ Three-Way Dispenser? Why Is It Important?
MicroCare introduced the Triton™ three-way dispensing system in 2007 as an innovative new packaging system for the fiber optic cleaning products. The Triton™ dispenser has been engineered for the convenience of the technicians working out in the field. It's a key element in the TravelSAFE™ packaging of the Sticklers™ cleaning fluid.
More details about other Sticklers™ innovations are available here.
This packaging feature enhances the usefulness and efficiency of the cleaning products. With a single Triton-equipped can, users can dispense the liquid in three different ways. Users may (a) use the "spray mode" to squirt the liquid into alignment sleeves or to spray on a contaminated surface, (b) use the "dip mode" to dampen a CleanStixx™ swab, and/or (c) flip open the cap and use the "one-hand mode" to dampen a lint-free wipe with solvent. Changing from one mode to another is instant, easy and can be done with one hand.
This means that installers, working out in the field, now have a modern tool for cleaning their fiber optic connectors, especially in FTTx projects. The pocket-sized products make cleaning fast, convenient, consistent and cheap, while advancing network performance far ahead of any other cleaning option.
Developed by MicroCare Corp. and awarded patent by the U.S. government, each pocket-sized, leak-proof canister contains enough solvent for more than 400 cleaning events. This reduces cleaning costs to pennies per event, as well as reduces worker exposures to chemicals and fumes. The Sticklers™ are TravelSAFE™ so they can be shipped without hazmat hassles and even carrier on board commercial aircraft.
Updated 9-1-2009
FAQ 45:
What Part Numbers Do I Use When Ordering the Cleaning Sticks?
It depends upon the type of port you are cleaning All of the Sticklers™ CleanStixx™ connector cleaning sticks are color coded as follows:
| Blue labeled sticks |
2.5mm ferrule = FC,ST, SC, etc. |
#MCC-S25 |
| Green labels |
1.25mm ferrule = LC, MU, etc. |
#MCC-S12 |
| Orange labels |
D4, Mil C 28876, Mil C 38999, MTRJ, etc |
#MCC-S16 |
| Pink labels |
Larger ferrules = MTP, SMA, Biconic |
#MCC-XMT |
| Yellow labels |
Exposed ferrule or termini or < 2.5mm ferrule/termini |
#MCC-P25 |
As a general rule, plan on using about 1.25 swabs per port.
Instructions for using the Sticklers™ CleanStixx™ and the liquid cleaner can be found on this web site.
Rev. 4-16-2009
FAQ 46:
What Makes Sticklers™ CleanStixx™ Different from the Competition?
The patented Sticklers™ CleanStixx™ fiber optic connector cleaning sticks are unique, ultra-clean "swabs" engineered for cleaning down inside fiber optic alignment sleeves. Because of their unusual construction and packaging, they will work better than any other connector cleaning tool, and when used with the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) these sticks will out-perform anything in the industry.
First, the sticks are made of a fiberous polymer tip. During use, the tip's fibers spread open to trap and hold particulate (see drawing). The tip flexes to fit connector end-faces, including angled polished connectors, so no extra tools or processes are required to clean those configurations. This lift-and-grab action is enhanced by the capillary action of the fibers in the tip, so the fibers wick up oils and solvents quickly.
Many Sticklers™ competitors use a woven cloth for the tip of their nibs. Cloth has a propensity to deposit fiber on the end-faces (see photo, lower right). Cloth nibs also have pointed tips, so they don't clean the entire surface of the end-face. Importantly, they often are too large for some connectors, some barely able to squeeze into the alignment sleeve.
Some competitors use foam on the tip of their nibs. In the world of cleaning, foam is a dirty material that often deposits particulate on the end-faces (see second photo, lower right). Foam has very little internal strength, so the nibs have to be big just to hold together. This means they end up cleaning the sides of the alignment sleeves rather than the end-face. In addition, when a foam tip is molded, the machinery puts seams or ridges down the sides of the swab. Those ridges can be shaved off by the metal edges of the expansion grooves in the alignment sleeve, depositing chunks of foam on the end-face. The tips also are pointed or round tips, so they generally can't clean the entire surface of the end-face. And lastly, no manufacturer makes a foam swab small enough to clean the tiniest fiber optic connectors; foam is so weak structurally that it simply cannot be made that small.
In contrast, Sticklers™ CleanStixx™ are molded, not hand-wound. Molding provides a consistency impossible with other manufacturing processes, and ensures an optimal, loose fit within the alignment sleeve. This enables the tip to "wobble" and spin off-center, providing a lateral motion that "scrubs" the end-face and improves the cleaning quality even on the smallest end-faces. For all these reasons, CleanStixx™ easily out-perform competing products.
But there's even more. Unlike any other competitor, CleanStixx come in five sizes, so there is a CleanStixx™ for every size and configuration of fiber optic connector. The tip of the cleaning stick is flat, not pointed or rounded, so each CleanStixx™ can easily clean the connector end-face, even domed and APC connectors. Only Sticklers™ has swabs in all the sizes needed to match all the different types of connectors.
These sticks are the only products in the industry designed as a system to work with a nonflammable solvent such as Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M). The interaction of the solvent and the stick significantly improves cleaning results. The "Drop-n-Stop™" crimps on the sticks keep them from rolling off uneven surfaces. Packaged in convenient, color-coded travel kits, there is a stick for every popular connector, both military and commercial connectors.
More details about Sticklers™ innovations are available here.
Instructions for using the CleanStixx and the Cleaning Fluid can be found on this web site.
Rev. 4-16-2009
FAQ 50:
Which Sticklers™ Products Do I Need for Field Termination?
Your best choices are Sticklers™ Benchop™ CleanWipes™ (#MCC-WFW) and the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-FPF03M). These two products make a great team. The cleaning fluid, in particular, is a terrific formulation for cleaning fiber -- it even squeaks when the fiber is clean. You also can use it to clean connector end-faces. It's a one-size-fits-all cleaning liquid.
For instructions on field terminations, click here.
For the latest info on the best practices for cleaning connectors and splices, check out the Case Studies.
Rel. 9-1-2008
FAQ 51:
Which Sticklers™ Products Do I Need for Working in Harsh Environments?
The choice is simple: use the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-FPF03M) and a packet of Sticklers™ Outdoor CleanWipes™ (#MCC-FA1) and the job is done. The nonflammable, fast-drying cleanin fluid gives you the cleaning performance you need, even in awkward locations up on a pole or down in a manhole. The wipes are hermetically-sealed until they are opened, so they stay clean even in a dusty desert or a snow storm. Together, these two products will clean fiber faster, more consistently, more reliably and at lower total cost than any other option on the market today.
For the best information on the procedures for cleaning fiber optic connectors, check out these instructions.
FAQ 52:
Which Sticklers™ Products Do I Need for a Small LAN or WAN Installation, on a College Campus for Example?
You need to know the type and quantity of connectors you are installing. Once you have that information, we strongly recommend you buy a Fiber Optic Cleaning Kit (#MCC-FK03) for each technician, and "top off" each kit with the quantity and type of cleaning sticks you need.
In general, you will need -
If you're splicing, you'll need --
If you're field terminating, you'll need --
All of these products are included in the Fiber Cleaning Kit.
For cleaning instructions during splicing, click here.
Rev. 4-16-2009
FAQ 53:
Can I Use Alcohol to Clean High-Powered Lasers?
Using IPA alcohol is no longer a recommended procedure.
Because alcohol is "infinitely hygroscopic" the alcohol will become contaminated when it is poured into a dispenser or whenever a container is left uncovered. This contamination is the source of the "haze" that IPA leaves on surfaces after cleaning. This "haze" on the end of a fiber optic connector can become "baked" onto the glass when high-power lasers are used (30dBm). The haze obviously will interfere with transmission of light and also may have effect the transmission of one wave length verses another wave length, which can be very troubling to WDM or DWDM systems.
Released 11-5-2008
FAQ 54:
How Many Cleaning Supplies Do I Need to Order?
There are a couple simple suggestions that will help you plan on the quantity of supplies you will need.
First, for cleaning ports, and across many installations, experienced techs usually average about 1.25 CleanStixx™ per port.
In terms of solvents, about one can of Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) and two mini-tubs of the Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes™ (#MCC-WFW) for every 150-200 exposed connector end-faces (jumper ends).
If you are working in a harsh environment, then plan on one Sticklers™ Outdoor CleanWipes™ (#MCC-FA1) for each exposed connector end-face cleaned if cleaning individual jumpers. If you're working on a junction box, you can generally plan on one Outdoor CleanWipe™ for every 5 or 6 connector end-faces that need to be cleaned if cleanings several connectors at one time. If the jobs vary and conditions are tough, a good average is two cleanings per each Outdoor Wipe.
If you're splicing, the numbers change a little. You'll need about one can of Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) and two mini-tubs of Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes™ (#MCC-WFW) to clean enough bare fiber for 100 - 200 splices (which works out to 200 - 400 bare fiber cleanings). If you're splicing pigtails or field termination plan on one can of Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) and two mini-tubs of Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes™ (#MCC-WFW) for each 80-100 connector terminations.
For the best information on the procedures for cleaning fiber optic connectors, check out these instructions.
Rev. 4-16-2009
FAQ 57:
Which Products Do I Need for Fusion Splicing?
Your best choices are Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes™ (#MCC-WFW) and the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-FPF03M). These two products make a great team.
The Connector Cleaner, in particular, was formulated with an eye on mass fusion splicing (ribbon fiber). It makes the same squeak as IPA alcohol when the fiber is clean. It's been tested and is used by major splicer manufacturers such as Fujikura, Fitel and Diamond. It's also great for cleaning connector end-faces on pigtails as well.
For more details on the best practices for cleaning before splicing, check out this Case Study.
For the best information on the procedures for cleaning fiber optic connectors, check out these instructions.
Pub. 9-1-2008
FAQ 58:
Can I Use Sticklers™ Cleaning Liquid with My FerruleMate®, IBC or OneClick Tools?
The team here at Sticklers™ thinks our cleaning tools are the best tools in the business for cleaning jumpers and for cleaning inside alignment sleeves. But we know not everybody will agree, at least not for every application. So the Sticklers™ cleaning fluid was engineered to work with anybody's cleaning tools or sticks. Pick your favorite, and make it work even better with the Sticklers™ Cleaner.
For example, if you are using a CLETOPS, push down on the trigger to open the door and expose the clean, lint-free paper wipe. Take a can of Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) and squirt a small amount of solvent on to one portion of the wipe. Then, grab the connector to be cleaned and scrub it, once, in one direction across the wipe. Move the connector from the wet spot to a dry spot. This gives you the IPC-preferred "wet-dry" cleaning process.
As for the "One-Click" cleaning tools, just moisten the exposed ribbon of cleaning fabric of the port cleaning device by dipping the tip into the well on the Triton™ dispenser on the can of the Sticklers™ cleaning fluid (#MCC-POC03M). Insert the tool into the alignment sleeve. Click the tool once for the "wet" cleaning phase and click it again for the dry mode. It works fine, it's fast, it's convenient, and it's highly affordable. However, it's not perfect because it doesn't clean the entire end-face.
Rel. 9-1-2008
FAQ 59:
Which Products Do I Use to Clean Exposed Fiber Optic Jumpers?
Just grab yourself a Triton™-equipped mini-pump spray of Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) and either a Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes™ (#MCC-WFW) or (for harsh environments) a packet of Sticklers™ Outdoor CleanWipes™ (#MCC-FA1). These products make a great team. The Cleaning Fluid, in particular, was formulated to dry a little more slowly, so you have more time to work with the solvent. And, it makes the same squeak as IPA when the fiber is clean. It's been tested and is used by major manufacturers such as Fujikura, Fitel and Diamond.
For the best information on the procedures for cleaning fiber optic connectors, check out these instructions.
Rev. 4-16-2009
FAQ 61:
How Do I Clean a Laser, an Exposed Lens or Other Optical Component?
Cleaning precision optics hasn't changed just because you have a better solvent. So you clean them the same way you clean them today, using the "wet and drag" method. Never scrub fine optical components; all you do is drag the damp wipe over the surface, and always in the same direction.
The best products to use are the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) which out-performs acetone or alcohol. It's fast-drying, plastic-safe, nonflammable, very heavy and dense so it can lift particulate off surfaces, and it dissipates static to help minimize "static cling."
For wiping, we recommend the Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes™ (#MCC-WFW). These are high-purity, lint-free polyester wipes. Fold them in half so the perforated edges never touch the optical device. These wipes also are sized to be easy to use and easy to throw away -- because they are so tiny, the user has no inclination to save them and re-use them. This dramatically improves cleaning.
One last point -- use Nitrile gloves or finger cots (not sold by Sticklers™, sorry!). The Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner is sufficiently pure and strong that it will pull the oils from your fingertips, and redeposit them on to the wipe and then on to the optics. So finger cots or gloves will make the whole process less frustrating.
Rel 9-1-2008
FAQ 65:
How Do I Clean a Lens that Is Recessed In a Tube?
Cleaning recessed lenses is a tricky job. Many lasers, lenses and optical components are buried deep into a machine or an assembly. Cleaning these hard-to-reach components can be a chore, and a major waste of time in some instances. Even seemingly-simple, everyday products -- like the lens on a cell phone camera -- can be unreachable using normal flat wipes.
To resolve this issue, Sticklers™ made an unusual cleaning stick, the XMT stick (#MCC-XMT), for applications just like these, and the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) is the right solvent for the job. The XMT stick is the widest cleaning stick made by Sticklers™ and does an excellent job on small lenses, filters, lasers and other devices. Dampen the nib of the stick with the cleaning fluid and dust, oils and fibers will lift off the lens easily, quickly and reliably.
Rel 9-1-2008
FAQ 67:
Do Sticklers™ Cleaners Have National Stock Numbers?
National Stock Numbers are issued by the U.S. Government to standardize the purchasing of tools and products. The list below identifies the national stock numbers that are available for Sticklers™ products:
Product Sticklers™ Part number NSN Number
| 2.5mm connector cleaning stick— Our most popular model. For connectors SC, ST, FC, ASC, AFC, etc. |
#MCC-S25 |
6070-01-553-2263 |
| 2.0mm & 1.6mm connector cleaning stick— Fits MIL C 28876, MIL C 38999, D4, MT-RJ |
#MCC-S16 |
6070-01-553-2262 |
| 1.25mm connector cleaning stick— Fits LC, MU Connectors |
#MCC-S12 |
6070-01-553-2267 |
Larger connectors and lenses— SMA, MTP (with or without pins),
Biconic; also for cleaning optical lenses within recessed fixtures |
#MCC-XMT |
None assigned |
| Cleaning stick, for all exposed cylindrical ferrules and termini |
#MCC-P25 |
6070-01-553-2258 |
| Sticklers™ Benchtop CleanWipes |
#MCC-WFW |
7920015476547 |
For the best information on the procedures for cleaning fiber optic connectors, check out these instructions.
More details about Sticklers™ innovations are available here.
Rev. 4-16-2009
FAQ 68:
Can I Use the Sticklers™ Cleaning Fluid with My Cletops® Products?
CLETOPS® have long been the standard for cleaning fiber optic jumpers and end-faces. However, even CLETOPS and other cartridge cleaning devices have some limitations.
First, most cartridge-style cleaning devices use a woven fabric as the cleaning material. This fabric works well on standard 2.5mm connectors, such as the SC with a PC polish. However, when used to clean smaller form factor connectors, such as an LC end-face, the smaller beveled edge of the end-face tends to cut the woven fabric leaving fibers on the end-face. (Full disclosure: This can also happen with the hydroentangled fabric wipes used in Sticklers™ products, but it happens to a far lesser degree.)
Then there is the issue of "wet-dry" cleaning. Field tests have proven that cleaning with a dry wipe builds a static charge on the connector end-face which, in turn, attracts airborne particulates, thereby re-contaminating the end-face. "wet-dry" cleaning eliminates this problem. But there's no easy way to implement "wet-dry" cleaning with a cartridge-style cleaning system.
Another consideration is cost. The cost of a cartridge-style cleaning system is substantially more when compared to other cleaners, and the cost per connector cleaned is relatively high. In addition, many cartridge-style cleaning tools never make it to the end of their expected service life, getting forgotten at the work site, misplaced, dropped of a floor, soaked in a puddle or otherwise damaged. Therefore, the use of less expensive cleaning devices save money even if the "cost per clean" is slightly higher.
In summation, the cartridge-style cleaning devices do not lend themselves to wet/dry cleaning, which has been shown to be the preferred cleaning method. The Sticklers™ cleaning system is currently the best cleaning option.
For the best information on the procedures for cleaning fiber optic connectors, check out these instructions.
Revised 8-19-2009
Most procedures recommend between three and five attempts at cleaning before giving up. Remember, you must inspect after each cleaning attempt.
Released 9-2009
FAQ 72:
You Say Your Solvents Dry Fast. What Is the Drying Time? (From Mark in Texas)
Since the drying rate is dependent on temperature and humidity, we estimate that the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) will dry at least 25%-50% faster than IPA alcohol, and maybe as much as twice as fast.
Given standard environmental conditions, one good predictor of the drying rate of a fluid is the boiling point. The boiling point of the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) is 54ºC while the boiling point of alcohol is 83ºC. This is a signifcant difference. Place a drop of alcohol on a table top, and it will sit there for several minutes while an equivilent droplet of the Cleaning Fluid will flash off in seconds. This dramatically reduces the chance of solvent entrapment inside an alignment sleeve.
But again, since the rate of drying is dependent upon conditions, that is the best answer I can give you.
Released 9-2009
FAQ 73:
Can I Use "Canned Air" to Blow Dust from End-Faces?
Yes, you can, and we know people do it, but it is not a recommended process. Canned air products are pressurized with a refrigerant inside the can (they are not really "canned air").When this refrigerant is sprayed out of the can, it will cool the end-face, causing condensation and fogging on the end-face. This is a bad, bad idea.
Also, normal industrial aerosol cans are not truly that clean, with lubricants in the spray valves and stamping oils inside the cans. When sprayed, tiny amounts of those liquids may be deposited on the end-face.
Lastly, the high velocity of the spray creates a static charge on the end-face which will attract contamination out of the air. So, it really is an unreliable cleaning process. "wet-dry" cleaning with Sticklers™ is a much more reliable methodology.
Released 4-2009
FAQ 75:
Is There a "Canned Air" that Can Be Transported on an Aircraft? (From Bill at Boeing)
No, at least not without hazmat fees and extra paperwork. Since all canned air products are pressurized, all of them are classified as hazardous materials. Some canned air products also are flammable, which makes them even more problematic. Bringing either type of product into the cabin area of a commercial flight would not be allowed and attempting so to do might get you arrested in today's environment. Even shipping canned air by air requires special paperwork and approvals.
Released 9-2009
FAQ 77:
What Are Your Thoughts on Using Manual Blowers Instead of Canned Air [to remove dust and particulate from connectors]? (From Bill at Boeing)
Typically blowing air of any sort across a connector end-face will not clean the surface. Air will not remove oils or dried-on contamination. This is typically because the particulate is too small to offer enough air resistance to be dislodged. Most particulate matter is held in place by 'static" bonds which are typically stronger than the force of moving air over a 2 micron particle.
Released 8-18-2009
FAQ 78:
Are the Stick-type Cleaners the Only Way of Cleaning Inside Cavities? (From Geoff in the UK)
In addition to Sticklers™ CleanStixx™ and swabs from other companies, there are mechanical port cleaning devices that use a fabric thread or rope to clean the end-face. These can work pretty well but they do not clean the entire end-face, so they leave contamination outside of the contact area on an end-face that may migrate into the core.
There also are relatively expensive automated port cleaning devices that spray solvent on the end-face and then suck the contaminated solvent out of the port. Automated mechanical port cleaners are easier to use and less expensive per clean than traditional stick cleaners. However, these automated port cleaners also do not clean the entire connector end-face and can leave contaminates that can migrate toward the core and cause future problems.
Released 8-18-2008
FAQ 80:
Why Are the Cleaning Results from Sticklers™ Cleaners Much Better than Using 99% Alcohol? (From Mark in Texas)
The Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) will out-clean IPA alcohol because the Sticklers™ cleaner will provide consistent purity during use (the packaging), dry faster (the boiling point is lower), clean better (higher density, lower viscosity, higher Kb value), and it will not become trapped in the expansion slit in the alignment sleeve thereby avoiding recontamination of the connector end-face (lower surface tension, lower boiling point), and it is not as hygroscopic as IPA alcohol.
Released 8-18-2009
FAQ 83:
Are There Any "Wet-Dry" Mechanical Cleaning Tools Available in the Market? (From Brian in North Carolina)
To my knowledge, there are no "wet-dry" mechanical cleaning tools available except the cleaning sticks and solvents from Sticklers™. However, one can use the mechanical port cleaning devices with Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M). In this case, the first activation would be the wet cleaning process and the second activation of the device would be the dry cleaning phase. Specifically, I am referring to "IBC", "One Click", "FerruleMate" or other similar devices.
Released 8-18-2009
FAQ 84:
Is the Sticklers™ Cleaner Hygroscopic At All? (From Ben in Belgium)
To be precise, the Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) is mildly hygroscopic (it has a small percentage of alcohol and therefore exhibits minor hygroscopic properties). The addition of the alcohol allows the product to dissipate static as well as to clean water-based contaminates, but without the problems of self-contamination that a pure, alcohol-based cleaner would have. However, since the Cleaner is in a sealed, nonrefillable bottle and is nevr exposed to air until it is used, the hygroscopic element is totally minimized.
Revised 8-18-2009
FAQ 86:
What Might Be the Relative Cost Differential Between Alcohol and the Sticklers™ Cleaning Fluid (eg 50% more? 2x...)? (From John in Houston, TX)
The Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) is more expensive that alcohol, drop for drop. But the packaging makes a big difference. There are approximately 400 cleanings in each 100mL bottle of the fiber optic solvents. Field trials have proven an average cost of the solvent to be about US$0.0376 per cleaning event, so you really are "cleaning for pennies."
But it gets better.
First and foremost, alcohol really won't work well enough on today's modern, high-speed data networks. So if you are using alcohol, you need to add the time and materials cost of re-cleaning and extra field repairs to the cost of the alcohol itself.
- With Sticklers™ you use less liquid and waste less liquid, so the cost differential is much smaller than it originally appears.
- The high-purity Sticklers™ packaging (the clean mini-pump canister, the precisely metered Triton™ pump sprayer, the inability to refill) eliminates cross-contamination that happens when people refill dirty pump bottles with dirty alcohol.
- The spill-proof package also eliminates waste while the speedy and convenient Triton™ hands-free applicator makes the cost-per-cleaning very competitive.
One also must consider the hidden cost of NOT having the cleaning material you need where you want it and when you need it. The Sticklers™ products can be transported anywhere in the world -- even carried in tool boxes on commercial airplanes -- cheaply and easily, because they are nonflammable and nonhazardous. You can't do this with alcohol.
Released 8-18-2008
FAQ 87:
After Improper Cleaning, Some Connectors Develop Scars [on the surface of the end-face]. How Much Is Acceptable Before Changing the Connector? (From Daniel in Orlando)
By scarring, I assume you mean a non-removable defect. You would need to consult the "standards" for your company, the manufacturer of your connectors or your equipment manufacturer (OEM) as to the size and placement of the critical defect. For example, the IPC-8497-1 standard requires no surface defects within 25 microns of the central core, and none larger than 3 microns anywhere on the cladding (out to 125 microns). Key factors will be the proximity of the scar to the center of the core and how large the defect is.
Released 8-18-2009
FAQ 89:
Would You Treat the "Waste" Generated from Your Products in a Particular Way? (From Geoff in England)
The metered Triton™ valve typically empties the cleaning fluid container completely. However, since the solvents are nonflammable and nonhazardous, they are not considered a RCRA or hazardous waste stream and so they usually can be disposed of in normal trash.
As for the wipes and Sticklers™ CleanStixx™, they usually can be disposed in the trash because the contamination on them usually is not considered a hazardous waste..
As always, consult your company's experts for advice on local rules and regulations.
Released 8-18-2009
FAQ 91:
My network can tolerate small particulate contamination but not larger pieces of dust or fiber. How can we really know the difference between 10-20-50 microns? And realistically... OSP crews do not have scopes and even if they do...they may not use them! (From Ward in New York City)
There are several tools currently available you can use to judge the size of the contamination.
First, there are adapters that can be installed inside your scope with 1-, 2- and larger micron markings. If you looking at single mode fiber, you know the core is about 8 microns across and you can use that as judge. Also the cladding around the core on most commercial fiber is 125 microns and that can be used to judge the size of larger debris.
As for outside plant crews not using their scopes, that's an old-style attitude on the part of the company and the crews. If you're installing and maintaining a modern, gigahertz speed network, every OSP crew should have scopes and should use them. It is an essential element of network performance.
Released 8-18-2009
FAQ 92:
Is It True that Dust Caps Do Not Really Stop Dust and that I Need to Clean Even New Jumpers Before Installing Them? (From Brian in North Carolina)
Absolutely. Realistically, "dust caps" should be called "protective caps" for that is the real purpose they serve. They don't do a good job keeping the connectors clean.
MicroCare has conducted some research on this. The general finding is that straight out of the bag, one out of every three brand-new jumpers and connectors are so badly contaminated they will degrade the network performance. So, in theory, you only need to clean 33% of the connectors. The problem is figuring out WHICH ones are contaminated. So, in general, it is best to always clean, each and every connector.
In the old days, we often found out-gassing from the dust caps had contaminated the end-face, so cleaning was always required. Celestica, way back in 2003, found there was a static charge on the end-faces of new connectors. This caused the out-gassing from the PVC end-caps to collect on the tip of the end-face and contaminated the end-face within hours. Since then, dust cap materials have improved and this problem has declined in recent years as companies switch to better quality plastics.
But it's not a perfect world. If both the dust cap and the connector were pristinely clean when the dust cap was applied then it would likely stay clean. However, most companies neither clean their dust caps, nor ship them in protective packaging, nor inspect them before use, so their cleanliness must be in question.
Therefore, the best practice is to always assume the worst and always clean the connector.
Released 8-18-2009
FAQ 93:
If Inspection Is Not Possible, What Is the Predictability of Getting a Good Clean from the Process? (Geoff from the UK)
Cleaning success is dependent on the type of connector and the type of contamination. For example, skin oils on an SC jumper end-face will usually clean off on the first try better than 99% of the time. The same residue on an SC port will probably be cleaned properly on the first try about 90% of the time. Operator procedures and experience can strongly affect these results.
Other contaminates are more difficult to remove (dried-on contaminates for example) and then the success rate decreases.
However, the tech will no idea what the contamination is without a scope. Therefore, I must give an estimate of 50% to 95% which is really too broad a response to be useful.
The best answer is that every tech must inspect every connector every time. Inspection is ALWAYS possible. Either you're going to spend money on scopes, or you're going to spend money on repairs. Get your guys inspection scopes and do it right the first time!
Released 8-18-2009
FAQ 94:
Inspecting and Cleaning Before Installing EVERY Fiber Connection Will Add Considerable Cost. How Did You Come Up with that Recommendation? (From Rick in Toronto)
The data behind this recommendation is from a study done by Celestica back in 2003. The study measured the static charge on end-face and study of contaminates on end-face of new connectors. The results of that study stimulated important material changes in dust caps (no more PVC dust caps which outgas and contaminate the end-face within hours) as well as recommendations for dust cap materials.
The study found mold release agents from the manufacturing of the dust cap on connector end-faces of new jumpers. Therefore unless one is intimately familiar with the materials and process of your jumper vendor, you should clean the end-face, even brand-new ones right out of the bag.
So engineers should cease just thinking about the cost of the cleaning supplies, the inspection scopes and the few seconds of time it takes to clean. Instead, they should be thinking about all the trucks, people, supplies and time wasted on avoidable repair calls. The only way to minimize repair calls is to clean and inspect, every connection, every time.
Released 8-18-2009
FAQ 96:
What Is Your Recommendation on the Best Procedure for Cleaning MPO and MTP Ribbon Connectors? (From Geoff in the UK)
Sticklers™ manufactures a special cleaning stick for cleaning MPO connectors. They are used with Sticklers™ Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner (#MCC-POC03M) and are used to wipe the end-face of either the male, the female, pinned or unpinned MPO connectors. There are also semi-automatic cleaning devices designed just for MPO connectors. These usually are cost-effective when large numbers of MPO connectors are being cleaned.
Special Note: "MTP" is registered trade mark of USCONEC. MPO is the generic name of connector. Kinda like Kleenxex.
Released 8-18-2009 Rev. 2-5-2010
FAQ103:
What Does "Hygroscopic" Mean and Why Is This Important to Fiber Optics?
"Hygroscopic" means "water-loving" and indicates a fluid that will absorb water. In the case of alcohol used to clean fiber optics, this extra water will come right out of the air, unless the alcohol is kept in a hermetically-sealed container. The water then will dilute the solvent and reduce it's cleaning effectiveness. It also will reduce the drying time of the already slow-drying alcohol, which means entrapment and water spots are more likely. Lastly, the water often brings other contamination which can make the cleaning problem even more complex.
Released 1-20-2010