Cleaning RF Connectors
If flammable fluids are used to clean connectors, the fluid shall not be placed on the instrument during, use or when connected to mains voltage. Cleaning the connectors shall take place in ventilated area to allow fluid vapors to dissipate, and reduce the risk of fire.
Cleaning connectors with alcohol shall only be done with the instruments power cord removed, and in a well-ventilated area. Allow all residual alcohol moisture to evaporate, and the fumes to dissipate prior to energizing the instrument.
Improper connector care, cleaning, or use of mismatched cable connectors can invalidate the published specifications and damage connectors. Clean all cables before applying to any connector. Repair of damaged connectors due to improper use is not covered under warranty. Dirty or damaged connectors are often the cause of measurement errors.
The best way to keep connectors clean and in good condition is to use the plastic protector caps and never rotate the connectors relative to one anther during connect/disconnect cycles. Before using connectors for a critical application, inspect the connector interfaces with a microscope ( ∼ 20X). Look for dirt, contaminants, dented or scratched outer conductor mating surfaces, and damaged center conductors.
- Use a swab dipped in clean isopropyl alcohol to clean off the outer conductor mating surfaces and the ends of the center conductors. Be careful not to let the alcohol get on the insulator bead, as this may damage the bead. Be careful not to exert too much force on the center conductors, especially slotless female center conductors, as they may be damaged. Use a swab that has a sharp enough corner to clean all areas of the connector interface. Don't forget to clean off the coupling nut threads.
- Blow off the alcohol with clean compressed air. Compressed air can reduce the temperature of connectors dramatically, and this can have a significant effect upon the performance of calibration and verification components. If the connector components being cleaned are to be used in a critical measurement application, the temperature of these components should be allowed to stabilize before they are used.
- Reinspect the connectors under the microscope. If the outer conductor mating face of a connector has raised material that would keep it from making complete contact with another connector, it should be replaced. If the fingers of a slotted female contact are spread open, rather than crimped closed, the connector should be replaced. If a connector has a slotless contact with damaged fingers, the connector should be repaired or replaced.
| Description | Part Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Swabs (100) | 9301-1243 | |
| 99.5 % Alcohol | Alcohol should be kept clean and free of water. Do not use other solvents as they may damage the insulator bead. | |
| Compressed air (235 ml) | 8500-6659 | 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane aerosol CFCs: 0%; HCFCs: 100% CAUTION: Use this product only as directed! If the aerosol container is shaken or tilted, the spray will leave a residue on the parts. Filtered and regulated, piped-in compressed air is the preferred solution. |
| Lint free cloth (one) | 9310-4242 |