How To Clean Ethernet Connector

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Cleaning RJ-45 contacts?

Thread starter shadowwyvern
Start date Mar 22, 2006

Joined: Sep 22, 2005

Messages: 604

I recently aquired a very nice switch used. however, it seems to have been used very little late in it's life, and there is a significant amount of dust on the contacts. How should UI clean it off without damaging the switch due to static or anythign else? I would prefer not to buy anything (though if canned air will work, that would be great).

Also, what is required to clean fiber ports? The switch as several and one of them was uncovered when i got it. I do not have any fiber hardware, but want to clean it just the same.

Joined: Apr 9, 2005

Messages: 943

For cleaning the RJ45 ports on the switch, you can use a toothbrush (or something similar) with 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol. The stuff works great for cleaning anything in a computer.

Not sure about the fiber though.

Joined: Sep 22, 2005

Messages: 604

Joined: Aug 16, 2005

Messages: 1,146

I would think so, with alcohol. If not wrap a paper towel around the end.

Joined: Jun 17, 2002

Messages: 1,237

I recently aquired a very nice switch used. however, it seems to have been used very little late in it's life, and there is a significant amount of dust on the contacts.

Is there really so much crap on them that a can of air wont work? I've seen some pretty dirty switches and a couple minutes with a can of air usually solves the problem. Anything more is probably just overkill.

Joined: Oct 14, 2003

Messages: 1,328

dont clean the fiber with anything other than a fiber port cleaner. FIS has them...famous telephone co. should as well.

You can seriously fuck a fiber connection up cleaning it with the improper chemicals/tools. Dust/Dirt are the number one reason for faulty fiber connections.

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