How to Replace VeEX Optical Connector Protector's Ferrule?

Connector damage has been a common cause of fiber optics test sets being returned to manufacturers’ service centers for repair, especially those field equipment used in harsh environments, like OTDRs. Severe and permanent test port damage are a result from repeated mating with dirty, contaminated patch cords, launch reels, accidents or just general wear and tear over time. Damaged optical connector ports affect measurements' accuracy, performance and can damage other ports, so they must be replaced. Traditionally, such repairs required returning the instruments to the factory or authorized service center, to remove the damaged connector, splice a new one, recalibrate the instrument and ship it back, along with the associated approvals, logistics, cost and downtime.

Always Clean and Inspect optical connectors and patch cords before using them, keeping their end-faces clean and un-blemished to prevent damage, excessive insertion and return losses.

VeEX's innovative patent pending Optical Connector Protector system, with Field Replaceable Optical Ferrule (a.k.a. 'Dragonfly'), adds an extra layer of protection to the internal end-face of calibrated optical test ports, preventing contamination and accidental damage. This extends the instrument’s lifespan, reduces downtime and improves productivity.

Spare APC and UPC ferrules are available in affordable packs of four. Having some of them in your stock would help reduce the mean time to repair (MTTR) and downtime for all your VeEX optical instruments, to zero.

Optical Connector Protector Elements

Simple Ferrule Replacement Procedure

Before You Start

Find a clean working area/environment with a stable flat surface to work on (e.g., office, garage, workbench, even a van or truck). Avoid mud, gels, oils, dust, wind, mist, high humidity, etc.

Before you start, remove the protective plastic Dust Cap and Base Cover, to fully expose the optical connector protector assembly.

Removing "Old" or Damaged Ferrule

Immediately discard damaged ferrules to avoid confusion/mistakes in the future.

Inserting New Ferrule

Carefully remove the new pre-cleaned 'Dragonfly' ferrule replacement (P/N: Z99-99-038G blue UPC or Z99-99-039G green APC) from its individual sealed package, grabbing it by the tips of its 'wings'.

Reinstall the plastic Base Cover, making sure the center of the flat sides align with the exposed 'Dragonfly' ferrule's 'wing' tips. Then insert the Dust Cap's ring over the universal Connector Adapter and cover the connector using the Dust Cap.

Always clean and inspect (scope) all the external optical connectors' end faces, as required, before mating them with any patch cords, launch fibers, devices under test, etc.

The following short video shows the ferrule replacement process step-by-step:

Refer to the Optical Connector Protector article for further details about this replaceable ferrule solution.