FiberExpress Brilliance Connectors

FiberExpress Brilliance Connectors Installation Guide PX105234

Table of Contents Section A - What s New and What You Need to Know 02 Section B - Components and Features 04 Section C - Fiber Preparation 07 Section D - Installation on 900 μm Fiber 09 Section E - Installation on 900 μm Fiber Using Accessories 11 Section F - Installation on 250 μm Fiber Using 900 μm Breakout Kit 15 Section G - Installation on Jacketed Fiber 17 Section H - Cleaning Procedures 21 Section I - Troubleshooting Guide and Tips 22 Information subject to change without notice. Belden reserves the right to make changes in product design or components as progress in engineering or manufacturing may warrant. FiberExpress Brilliance is a trademark of Belden, Inc. 2009-2012 Belden, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in Canada FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 1

Section A - What s New and What You Need to Know FiberExpress Brilliance Connectors Include: Brilliance OM1 62.5 μm, OM2 and OM3/OM4 50 μm Multimode & OS2 Singlemode Connectors. ST Connector SC Connector LC Connector Dust Cap** ST Activator Cap FRONT Color Coded Connector Body LC Latch Activator Tab Rear Housing REAR 900 μm Boot Dust Cap Fiber Type VFL* Light Window Small Indicator Line Large Indicator Line * Visual Fault Locator ** The ST connector s dust cap is not held by the ferrule but instead locks to the connector body. This connector also includes an ST Activator Cap. Brilliance LC, SC and ST connectors all share the same component names shown above. The LC connector is used throughout this guide as a reference only. Open Position Closed Position Standard Release F February 2012 Page 2

Section A - What s New and What You Need to Know This Guide Includes: Installation procedures for Brilliance LC, SC and ST connectors. A section describing components, features and accessories. Cleaning procedures. A troubleshooting guide and tips. LASER RADIATION CAUTION: When installed on a live system, invisible laser radiation may be present. Do not stare into connector endface or view directly with optical instruments. Wear safety glasses when working with optical fiber. Dispose of all scrap fiber in the waste bottle to avoid getting fiber slivers. Do not touch cleaver blade. Key Success Parameters Cleanliness: - Keep exposed fiber components clean as well as your environment. - Keep dust caps on and avoid dust creating activities. - Clean endface with alcohol wipes and then dry wipe as per cleaning procedures Cleave Quality: - Field cleaver can produce inconsistant results, verify cleave quality with a microscope after each cleave. - Precision cleavers are recommended and will improve cleave quality. However, it is important to validate cleaver performance every 25 connectors or less. Installation Quality: - Test connector performance at every 100 connector installations or less. - Use VFL and Support Handle for best results during termination. FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 3

Section B - Components and Features Shoulder Strap 1 8.5 x 11 Letter Size Zipper Pocket Belt Mount Feature Support Handle Holster 2 (See Page 6 for details on Support Handle) 1 2 Lid Zipper Velcro Lid Strap 3 3 Zipper Pocket for Loose Items Business Card Sleeve Standard Release F February 2012 Page 4

Section B - Components and Features 1 19 3 18 4 2 17 5 6 16 7 15 8 14 9 13 12 10 11 20 1. Support Handle 2. Protective Adapter 3. SC Adapter 4. LC Adapter 5. ST Adapter 6. Patch Cords 7. Field Cleaver 8. Precision Cleaver 9. Alcohol Wipes 10. Waste Bottle 11. Safety Glasses 12. Multipurpose Strippers 13. Scissors 14. Tweezers 15. USB Key with Demo Video & Files 16. Ink Marker 17. Visual Fault Locator (VFL) 18. Microscope 19. Installation Guide 20. Installation Cards FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 5

Section B - Components and Features Precision Cleaver 1 4 5 Precision Cleaver 1. Cleaver Lock 2. Cleave Arming Button 3. Fiber Guide 4. Buffer Stopper 5. Visual Guide 6. Blade Field Cleaver 13 15 14 Field Cleaver 13. Blade 14. Grip Lever 15. Fiber Tip Grip 16. Graduated Scale 17. Flexible Fiber Guide 3 2 6 17 16 Support Handle 9 8 11 10 7 12 Support Handle 7. VFL Push-out Access 8. Handle Grip 9. Fiber Groove Guide 10. Stylus Holder 11. Stylus 12. Support Handle Adapter Clips Microscope 18 19 20 25 24 21 23 22 Microscope 18. Fiber Cover 19. Fiber Buffer Guide 20. Fiber Target 21. Light Window 22. Light On/Off Toggle (Optional) 23. Focus Adjustment Wheel 24. Viewer 25. Pull-out Magnifier Standard Release F February 2012 Page 6

Section C - Fiber Preparation Fiber Preparation on 900 μm Tight Buffered Fiber 1 Slide the boot on the fiber as shown. 2 Strip off the buffer and the glass coating at the length specified below: a. Field cleaver: 40 mm b. Precision cleaver: 24 ± 2 mm. If unfamiliar with stripping optical fiber, it is advised to practice using a spare piece of fiber. Be sure to remove in small sections (5 mm) to avoid breaking the fiber. 3 Align the buffer on the Installation Card s graduated scale and mark with an ink marker at 13 mm. 1 Install Boot on Fiber 2 Strip Buffer and Coating from Fiber 3 Mark Buffer at 13 mm FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 7

Section C - Fiber Preparation Fiber Preparation on 900 μm Tight Buffered Fiber (Continued) 4 Clean the bare fiber with alcohol wipes. Use at least two or three passes while protecting the buffer mark with your fingers. Avoid contaminating the bare fiber once it has been cleaned. +0.5-0.0 5 Cleave the fiber at 8 mm from buffer. When using our precision cleaver, bring the buffer in contact with the cleaver buffer stop. Be sure to read and understand the cleaver instructions before use. Validate cleaver's performance prior to first termination, afterwards re-validate every 25. Use a microscope or another appropriate device to verify cleave quality as per figure 6. Note: Do not clean the fiber after it has been cleaved. 6 If you are not using a precision cleaver*, it is strongly recommended to verify cleave angle and cleanliness with a microscope for every cleave. Cleave quality depends on the skill of the operator. +0.5 4 Clean Fiber 5 Cleave fiber at 8 mm 6 Verify Cleave * -0.0 * Important: See "Key Success Parameters" in Section A - What's New and What You Need to Know. Standard Release F February 2012 Page 8

Section D - Installation on 900 μm Fiber Basic Installation 1 Push the activator tab towards the front of the connector using the small line indicator as a locating reference.* A stylus and Support Handle available if needed to provide assistance in opening and closing the activator tab. 2 Align the fiber tip with the rear housing by bringing both hands together for stability, as shown. Guide the fiber into the connector until you reach the buffer mark. Note: Secure the connector by placing your index finger on the ferrule dust cap while gripping the two sides as shown, especially with SC type connectors. Otherwise, an adapter is available with the Installation Kit to help grip the connector (see Section B). * For ST connectors, ensure the Dust Cap is in place and the ST Activator Cap is removed to gain access to the Activator Tab. 1 Open Activator Tab Alternative: Using Stylus 2 Insert Fiber into Connector FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 9

Section D - Installation on 900 μm Fiber Basic Installation (Continued) 3a Use your dominant hand to produce a bow in the fiber. Hold the bow in place with the fingers from your dominant hand while leaving your index free, as shown. Pull the activator tab towards the rear, using the large line indicator as a locating reference. 3b Use your dominant hand to produce a bow in the fiber. Secure the bow with your passive hand while holding the connector as shown. Use your free hand to pull the activator tab towards the rear, using the large indicator line as a locating reference. 4 Install the connector boot by sliding it onto the rear of the connector until it reaches the body.* The installation is now complete. * For ST connectors, re-install the ST Activator Cap. Note: For best results, Belden recommends the use of the Support Handle and VFL. 3a Activation Method 1 3b Activation Method 2 4 Install Boot Standard Release F February 2012 Page 10

Section E - Installation on 900 μm Fiber Using Accessories 1 Support Handle Preparation 1.1 Remove the clip protector and insert the appropriate adapter into the Support Handle as shown. 1.2 If you are using a Visual Fault Locator (VFL), first remove the VFL s protective cap then snap the VFL into the Support Handle as shown. Using a VFL is optional. 1.3 Connect the VFL to the adapter using the appropriate supplied patch cord. Note: For APC connectors use an APC VFL patch cord and APC adapter, sold seperately (AX203895). For Standard connectors use a UPC VFL patch cord and standard adapter. Damage may occur if APC is mated to a flat ferrule. 1.1 Snap in Adapter 1.2 Snap in VFL 1.3 Connect Patch Cord FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 11

Section E - Installation on 900 μm Fiber Using Accessories 1 Support Handle Preparation (Continued) 1.4 Insert the Brilliance connector into the Support Handle s adapter as shown. 1.5 Arm the VFL, then choose a pulse or continuous laser mode by repeatedly pressing the mode toggle button. A green light will appear to indicate that the VFL is active. If a red light appears, the batteries need to be replaced. 1.6 Push connector activator tab towards the front of the connector using the small line indicator as locating reference.* A stylus is available in the Support Handle, if needed, to provide assistance in opening and closing the activator tab. 1.7 When using a VFL in the connection process, a red light will appear in the connector window. * For ST connectors, first ensure the ST Activator Cap is removed. 1.5 Turn on VFL 1.6 Open Activator 1.7 Light Indicator Mode Toggle Button Arming Button Standard Release F February 2012 Page 12

Section E - Installation on 900 μm Fiber Using Accessories 2 Fiber Preparation (See Section C for steps) The support handle can be placed in the pouch s exterior holster or on a work surface to be ready for use while preparing the fiber. 3 Insert Fiber 3.1 After preparing the fiber, grip the Support Handle with your passive hand. 3.2 Using your dominant hand, guide the fiber into the Support Handle groove. Allow the fiber to follow the curve in the handle and secure it with your thumb. 3.3 Guide the fiber into the connector and stop when you feel contact. When fully inserted, the buffer mark should be near the edge of the rear housing of the Brilliance connector. If not, gently back off and reseat the fiber. 3.1 Grip Support Handle 3.2 Place Fiber in Groove 3.3 Insert Fiber FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 13

Section E - Installation on 900 μm Fiber Using Accessories 4 Finalize Connector Installation 4.1 Produce a bow by sliding your thumb along the Support Handle s graduated scale. Slide between 5 and 8 mm to produce a slight bow as shown and use your thumb to hold the fiber in position. 4.2 Use your other hand to pull the connector activator tab towards the rear using the large indicator line as a locating reference. Once the activator is closed and when using a VFL, the red light in the VFL window should go out for MM connectors or dim substantially for SM connectors, as shown. If not repeat fiber preparation steps and try again. 4.3 Install the connector boot, slide it onto the rear of the connector until it reaches the body.* Remove the connector from support handle.the installation is now complete. * For ST connectors, re-install the ST Activator Cap. 4.1 Produce Bow 4.2 Close Activator 4.3 Install Boot MM SM Standard Release F February 2012 Page 14

Section F - Installation on 250 μm Fiber Using 900 μm Breakout Kit Breakout Kit Preparation Refer to Breakout Kit Installation Guide provided with each AX101100 or AX101101 for breakout kit installation on loose tube or mini distribution cables. 1 Slide the boot on the fiber as shown. 2 Using the 250 µm region of the stripper, strip off the buffer at the length specified below: a. Field cleaver: 40 mm b. Precision cleaver: 24 ± 2 mm. 3 Gently push the fiber back into the tube. 1 Install Boot on Fiber 2 Strip Off Tube 3 Push Fiber Back In FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 15

Section F - Installation on 250 μm Fiber Using 900 μm Breakout Kit Breakout Kit Preparation (Continued) 4 Using the 125 μm region of the stripper, remove 250 μm coating from the tube to the fiber s end. 5 Align the tube on the Installation Card s graduated scale and mark with the ink marker at 13 mm. 6 Thoroughly clean the bare fiber with an alcohol wipe and gently push the fiber back into the tube. 7 Refer to Section C: Step 5 for cleaving instructions and Section D or E to complete the installation. 5 Make Mark at 13 mm 6 Clean Bare Fiber 7 Cleave fiber at 8 mm +0.5-0.0 Standard Release F February 2012 Page 16

Section G - Installation on Jacketed Fiber 1 Support Handle Preparation Refer to Section E - Steps 1.1 through 1.7 2 Fiber Preparation 2.1 Ensure the cable is freshly cut or that all the layers are of equal length. Then apply two marks at the following lengths: a. If using a Field Cleaver: First mark at 45 mm then a second mark add 60 mm from the end of the cable. b. If using a Precision Cleaver: First mark at 29±2 mm then add second mark at 44 mm from the end of the cable. 2.2 Remove the cable jacket from the first mark using the stripper diameter furthest from the grip, as shown. 2.3 Use the scissors to cut the kevlar off flush with the end of the jacket. 2.4 Use the stippers to create a small break in the jacket at second mark, then remove the section with your fingers. 2.2 Remove Jacket from First Mark 2.3 Cut Off Kevlar 2.4 Remove from Second Mark with Fingers FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 17

Section G - Installation on Jacketed Fiber 2 Fiber Preparation (continued) Quick Reference Diagram (lengths to scale) 2.5 Twist the boot onto the cable and slide it about 30 cm down. 2.6 Gently hold the jacket and push the 900 µm buffer as far into the cable as possible. 2.7 Hold the kevlar out of the way and mark the 900 µm buffer at the end of the jacket, at 7 mm and finally at 20 mm, as shown on right. 2.8 Wrap the cable twice, tightly, around two fingers and strip off the 900 µm buffer and coating from the 20 mm mark. Be sure to remove the buffer in small sections (5 mm) to avoid breaking it. Field Cleaver Precision Cleaver Jacket 15 mm 45 mm 15 mm 29 + - 2 mm 20 mm 15 mm 7 mm Buffer Fiber 2.5 Insert Boot 2.6 Push Fiber into Cable 2.8 Strip 900 µm Buffer from 20mm Mark Standard Release F February 2012 Page 18

Section G - Installation on Jacketed Fiber 2 Fiber Preparation (continued) 2.9 Clean the bare fiber with alcohol wipes, use at least two passes. Avoid contaminating the bare fiber once it has been cleaned. 2.10 Cleave the bare fiber at 8 mm from buffer s end. When using our precision cleaver, bring the buffer in contact with the cleaver stopper. Be sure to read and understand the cleaver instructions before use. Note: Do not clean the fiber after it has been cleaved. 3 Fiber Installation +0.5-0.0 Using a Support Handle for fiber installation is strongly recommended. a. If using a Support Handle: Refer to Section E - Steps 3.1 through 4.2, then unclip the connector to relieve mating pressure, but leave it in the adapter. b. If installing freehand: Refer to Section D - Steps 1.1 to 1.3. +0.5 2.9 Clean Bare Fiber 2.10 Cleave fiber at 8 mm 3 a. Unclip Connector -0.0 FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 19

Section G - Installation on Jacketed Fiber 4 Jacket Installation 4.1 Verify that the buffer mark at the end of the jacket is still at the same place. If not, push the buffer back in. Then evenly distribute the kevlar around the connector and bring the boot close to the connector, as shown. 4.2 Create a bow: a. If using a Support Handle: Slide the cable 3 mm along the Support Handle groove to create a slight bow. b. If installing freehand: Create a bow using the technique shown in Section D - Step 1.3b 4.3 While maintaining the bow created in the previous step, screw on the boot until a resistance is felt, do not apply any force during this step. 4.4 Hold the connector in your hands and add approximately a ¼ turn or 5 clicks to lock it. Locking feedback may vary when using 3 mm jacketed fiber. 4.5 Remove the connector from the Support Handle. The installation is now complete. 4.2 Slide 3 mm to Create Slight Bow 4.3 Screw on Boot Until it Blocks 4.4 Apply a ¼ turn or 5 clicks to lock 3 mm Standard Release F February 2012 Page 20

Section H - Cleaning Procedures Connector Cleaning Procedure and Precautions 1. Wipe the connector ferrule end-face a few times with a lint-free alcohol soaked wipe. 2. Before the alcohol has time to dry, wipe the ferrule end-face with a dry wipe to remove any residual alcohol. * Do not allow ferrule to touch anything before inserting into adapter. * Preferred alcohol is ethanol but isopropyl alcohol may be used. Only 100% pure alcohol should be used. VFL Components Cleaning Procedure and Precautions 1. Remove the patch cord and clean the connector ferrule at both ends as described above. 2. Ensure the interior of the VFL adapters are free of contaminants. 3. Ensure the interior of VFL ferrule sleeve is free of contaminants. If not, a lint-free swab can be used to dislodge and remove contaminents. 4. Reapply dust caps to patch cord and adapters immediately after use. Tips 1. When cleaning the bare fiber with alcohol wipes, a squeak is a good indication that the fiber is free of impurities. 2. Clean the patch cords and adapters regularly by following the recommended procedure. If a contaminant adheres to the ferrule tip or adapter ferrule guide, each connector installed could be damaged or contaminated. 3. It is strongly recommended to store unused adapters in a clean package such as the original packaging to avoid adapter contamination. FiberExpress Brilliance Connector - Installation Guide Page 21

Section I - Troubleshooting Guide and Tips Connector Troubleshooting 1. If the VFL is still visible in the connector window after terminating or test results are marginal: - The cleave may not be good. Ensure the cleaver is in good working order (see cleaver instructions, FiberExpress Brilliance connectors Installation Guide Section C - step 5-6 and Section A - Key Success Parameters) then repeat the cleave and termination procedure. - The cleaved fiber tip may be dirty. Ensure work area is clean and repeat cleave and termination procedure. If the problem persists contaminants may have been introduced into the connector. 2. If you cannot insert the fiber up to the buffer mark, make sure your mark and cleave are accurate and that the connector activator tab is in the open position, then repeat the termination procedure. 3. If the fiber breaks inside the connector, discard the unusable connector and repeat the procedure. Tips A - When removing the buffer from the fiber, cut perpendicular to the fiber and then tilt the stripper slightly to facilitate removal. B - When a field cleaver is used, it is strongly recommended to verify the cleave quality with a microscope. C - If a VFL and patch cord are attached to the Support Handle be sure not to crush the patch cord in the interior pocket of the pouch. Instead, use the exterior holsters while working. After use, it is recommended to remove the patch cord and adapter then reinstall the appropriate dust caps. D - A stylus included in the Support Handle can be used instead of your nail to push the activator tab. E - Turn off the VFL after every use to extend the life of the batteries. F - Make sure the dust caps are not installed when removing the adapter from the support handle. G - To ensure the VFL is properly fastened to the Support Handle make sure a snap is heard while attaching it to the Support Handle. H - If the light from the VFL is not apparent in the Brilliance connector window while in the open position, try closing and reopening the activator tab. I - To remove the VFL from the Support Handle press on the VFL through the Support Handle Push-out Pocket located in front of the adapter clipping location. Standard Release F February 2012 Page 22

PX105234 For more information on Belden products, please call: U.S.A. & Canada 1 800 BELDEN1 (1 800 235 3361) For a list of regional sales offices visit our WEB SITE: www.belden.com 2009-2012 Belden, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada Document release: F Date:February 2012 Order Number: AX104273