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    Why Do I Need to Clean My Fiber Optic Connectors Before Mating?

    by:
    CLEANING: Ask FOC Ask FOC
    Published: June 24, 2017
    , Last updated: September 10, 2025

    QUESTION: Why do I need to clean my fiber optic connectors before mating?

     

    ANSWER:

    It is critical to clean both end of the connector pair to prevent damage during the mating process and get the optimal optical performance. Contamination that is not removed will cause an unnecessary signal loss in a best case scenario and can also cause permanent damage the surface of both connector end faces. The IEC 61300-3-35, IPC 8497-1, and IEC 62627-01 list the same process for visually inspection and cleaning both connector end faces before mating.

     

    ADDITIONAL CONTENT & RESOURCES:

     

     

      Answered by AskFOC Technical Team WITH the Sticklers MicroCare Corporation Team June 24, 2017

     

     

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    © 2017 Fiber Optic Center, Inc. Article Title: Why Do I Need to Clean My Fiber Optic Connectors Before Mating? Author: FOC FAQ Published: June 24, 2017

    This article is an original publication of Fiber Optic Center, Inc. It is shared publicly for educational and reference purposes to support learning and professional development within the fiber optics industry.

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    About the Author
    FOC FAQ Fiber Optic Center has a team of technical experts and marketing strategists with decades of years in the field. This team contributes to the fiber, cable and specialty industries coverage through news, alerts, reports and general media information.
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    About Fiber Optic Center, Inc.
    Fiber Optic Center, Inc., (FOC), is an international leader in distributing fiber optic components, equipment and supplies and has been helping customers make the best cable assemblies in the world for over two decades. Several areas of specialization and expertise, in which they are the industry leader, make them the preferred choice for many of the world’s fiber professionals. In these key technology areas, FOC is "at least as technical as the manufacturer" about the products they sell. Striving to "make the business part easy," they offer outstanding and personal customer service, low or no minimum purchase order values, and from-stock delivery on industry-leading products and technology. FOC is the industry connection to the most innovative optical products, technologies and technical experts who integrate their manufacturing knowledge and vast experience into customers' worldwide operations. @FiberOpticCntr

    For further information contact:
    Fiber Optic Center, Inc., 23 Centre Street, New Bedford, MA 02740-6322
    Toll Free in US: 800-IS-FIBER or 800-473-4237 . Direct 508-992-6464. Email: sales@focenter.com or fiberopticcenter@focenter.com

    For media contact:
    Kathleen Skelton, Director of Strategic Marketing, C: 617-803-3014 . E: kskelton@focenter.com
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