Replacing an Optical Module
Context
When replacing an optical module, do not look into bores of the optical module without eye protection. The laser emitted from the bores may injure your eyes.
- Install or remove optical fibers carefully to avoid damage to fiber connectors.
- Optical modules are electrostatic-sensitive components; therefore, you must take ESD protective measures when replacing optical modules.
- Do not insert an optical module backwards. If an optical module cannot be completely inserted into an optical port, do not force it into the port. Turn the optical module over and try again.
Observe the following rules to replace an optical module:
- Wear an ESD wrist strap or ESD gloves when replacing the optical module.
- Ensure that the new optical module has the same center wavelength and complies with the same standards as the old one.
- Before removing an optical module, unplug optical fibers from the optical module. Do not apply too much force when unplugging optical fibers. Otherwise, the optical module may be damaged.
- After removing optical fibers from optical modules, cover the ports of cards and bores of optical modules with dust plugs.
Procedure
- Wear an ESD wrist strap or a pair of ESD gloves. When wearing an ESD wrist strap, insert the other end in the ESD jack of a device and ensure that the device is reliably grounded.
- Record optical fiber locations on the old optical module and check whether the labels on the optical fibers are correct and legible. If any labels are illegible, make and attach new labels to the cables to ensure correct fiber connection on the new optical module.
- Release the locking clip on the fiber connector, gently
push the fiber connector, and then pull out the optical fiber. After
removing optical fibers from the optical module, cover fiber connectors
with dust caps.
The locking clip varies on different fiber connectors. Figure 13-11 shows the locking clips on an LC/PC connector. Hold down the locking clips when pulling the optical fibers. Figure 13-12 shows the locking clip on an MPO connector. The locking clip is released automatically when you pull the MPO connector.
- Release the latch of the optical module, gently push the
optical module, and then pull it out. Cover the bores of the optical
module with dust plugs.
The latch varies on different optical modules. Figure 13-13 shows an optical module with a clasp latch. To release the clasp latch, rotate it down. Figure 13-14 shows an optical module with a tab latch. The tab latch is released when you pull it.
- Take out the new optical module from the package. Slowly
insert the optical module into the optical port until you hear a click.
The new optical module must have the same optical parameters as the remote optical module connected to it.
- Find the optical fibers to be connected to the optical
module according to labels on the optical fibers. Remove the dust
caps from the fiber connectors and insert the optical fibers to bores
of the optical module.
If the optical module does not work, use an alcohol swab to wipe the fiber connectors in one direction, and then connect the optical fibers to the optical module again.
