AFL CCT Connector Cleaning Tips

AFL CCT Connector Cleaning Tips are a unique technology for cleaning fiber optic connector end-faces. Unlike swabs covered with cloth or foam, CCT tips are molded from sintered polymer that is both porous and flexible – conforming to virtually any end-face polishing geometry, trapping and absorbing contamination and wicking solvents away from the connector surface. CCT tips are used to clean ferrules in adapters and sockets as well as exposed ferrules and termini on jumpers; they are available for most commercial and military ferrule sizes.

The sintered polymer construction provides a perfect fit inside the adapter sleeve and repeatable results. An open, absorbent matrix with 10–25 micron pores traps and retains particles and liquid, while the absence of fibers, binders, adhesives and volatile substances eliminates the risk of secondary connector contamination. The flexible cleaning head increases particle and oil capture efficiency, conforming to various end-face geometries (8°, dome polishing).

The double-sided design enables dry and wet cleaning with a single swab. Variants are available for cleaning ferrules in adapters/sockets (CCTS and CCTX series – an exposed head for alignment sleeves in sockets and bulkhead adapters) as well as exposed ferrules and termini on jumpers (CCTP series – a head shrouded in a “straw”, for 2.5 mm and smaller ferrules). The tips work with AFL FCC2 fluid for maximum effectiveness.

Contaminated connectors account for a significant share of fiber optic network failures. Regular cleaning reduces signal loss, extends connector lifespan, lowers replacement costs and costly service call-outs, and maximizes network performance. Prevention is simple – clean connectors save time and money.