RF Connector: Cleaning Methods & Supplies

Dirty or damaged connectors are often the cause of measurement errors, but it does not take much time to clean them. Of course the simplest method of cleaning is not to allow the connectors to get dirty. Using the plastic protector caps and never rotating the connectors relative to one another during connect/disconnect cycles is the best way to keep connectors clean and in good condition.

Cleaning Steps:

• 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.

Refer to the RF Connectors Cleaning Supplies tables