Additional tips for handling high-power fiber optic components

In general, procedures described in previous sections are valid for fiber components operating at high optical power. It is very important to switch-off the optical power source(s) or optical amplifier(s) prior to making optical connections or cleaning the optical connectors/adapters.

It is strongly recommended to avoid where it is possible the use of an optical connectors and use high quality optical splices instead.

Do not touch the optical fiber and especially the end of optical fiber/connectors, when optical power is on.

Keep the radius of optical fiber coils at least 10 cm or larger.

Always inspect and clean each connector before connecting it to its mating adapter and test fiber patch cords insertion loss. Measurement of the patch cords/fiber assemblies¡¯reflectivity is a good way to detect potential problems.

Always use safety goggles.