Sticklers Fiber Optic Cleaners is offering an alternative to IPA for cleaning fibre optic network connections.
The Covid-19 outbreak has led to even greater demand for reliable, fast data and networks, in which connections must be clean to operate at optimum levels. This however is proving problematic to some fiber optic network installers using IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) cleaning products.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using cleaners made of at least 70 per cent alcohol to disinfect surfaces. This has led to a widespread surge in global demand for IPA with much of it diverted for use in hospitals and other medical settings. As a result fibre optic network engineers are facing a shortage of IPA fluid used for cleaning their splices and connections.
To help counter this shortage, Sticklers has revealed the Fiber Optic Splice & Connector Cleaner as an alternative to IPA. It is non-flammable for added safety, and the company says that it dries eight times faster than IPA. It is also static-dissipative and sold in hermetically sealed packaging.
Rick Hoffman, Sticklers national accounts manager said: ‘iNEMI, IPC, BICSI and other fibre industry organisations recommend “wet/dry”’ cleaning as the most effective method for cleaning fiber end faces. IPA is a traditional choice, but due to Coronavirus, IPA is in short supply as it is being widely used in a number of hygiene products like hand sanitisers and disinfectants.
“IPA is extremely hard to buy in high-purity packaging and difficult to keep clean and uncontaminated during day-to-day operations. Perhaps now is the ideal time to use a pure optical grade cleaning fluid. Because we have a strong supply chain and multiple manufacturing locations, we have the flexibility to produce our products and deliver as scheduled so customers can still achieve optimal cleaning results and ensure their networks can run efficiently during this demanding time.’
