PRODUCT NEED:

Fiber cables must be cleaned prior to splicing.   That cleaning, however, can range from the removal of cable filling gels off buffer tubes and tools to actually wiping the glass fibers to remove dust and oils.   Since American Polywater manufactures both HydraSol® and Type FO™, two "fiber cleaning products" that seem to be similar in purpose, questions arise: what are the differences, and are they interchangeable?   Communications installers need to know which product to use for their application.

PRODUCT SOLUTION:

There are huge differences in the formulation and application of Type FO™ Prep Wipes and HydraSol® Remover.   Type FO™ is a 99.8% anhydrous (water-free) isopropyl alcohol used to clean delicate glass fibers, connector end faces, and polishing pads prior to splicing.   FO™ leaves no residue and is ideal for removing dust, fingerprints, oils, and other minute contaminants that could affect fiber splices and light transmission.

HydraSol®, on the other hand, is a unique water and blended-solvent emulsion used to remove cable filling and blocking gels (the PE/PJ, ETPR, and other greases known as "ickypic"), flooding compounds, and fluxes from opened fiber cable jackets, splicing tools, hands, and work surfaces.   HydraSol® is not restricted to fiber optics; it can be used to remove greases from filled copper cable as well.

Specially formulated HydraSol® is the safest and most effective cable gel remover in existence, but should not be used on the exposed glass fibers themselves because of its water content and slight surfactant residue.   FO™ should not be used to clean up cable gels simply because isopropyl alcohol is an ineffective solvent on such materials.   So, for fiber preparation ... use the HydraSol first to get the messy grease off the buffer tubes, etc., and then use the Type FO once the fiber is stripped out and ready to splice.

DISTRIBUTOR BENEFITS:

When distributors understand the clear distinction in intended use of these best-selling cleaners, they add a service to their customers over simple order fulfillment: useful information.   Make sure you're the go-to supplier for products and answers by offering extra tips such as ... Type FO™ is available in pints and quarts, but faces transport restrictions as a flammable alcohol and poses spill and vapor exposure hazards in bulk.   HydraSol® has no shipping restrictions, but bulk packages of both cleaners require the sourcing of separate wiping towels.   Therefore, pre-saturated lint-free wipes are recommended for safe, convenient, economical, and efficient cleaning.   Type FO™ wipes (catalog #FO-1) are available in cases of 50 units.   HydraSol® wipes (catalog #HS-1) come in cases of 144.   We offer generous field trial sampling to get you started.   Visit the two online flyers for more information: polywater.com/typefo.asp and polywater.com/hydrasol.html.

For samples, literature, and ordering info, contact your local representative or factory salesperson.

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