An Excellent IPA Replacement for Fiber Cleaning is Here

IPA Replacement Recommendation from Sticklers

IPA replacement cleaners are in high demand. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) for cleaning is in very short supply. Since everyone from the medical industry to fiber installers is using IPA for cleaning, it is quickly becoming a rare commodity. Many fiber installers are now facing IPA shortages. Fortunately, Sticklers offers an excellent alternative to IPA for cleaning fiber optic network connections. The Sticklers Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Fluid actually cleans better than IPA and is safer to use.

iNEMI, IPC and BICSI and other fiber industry organizations recommend “wet/dry”’ cleaning as the most effective method for cleaning fiber end faces. Water and IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) are traditional choices, but are hard to buy in high purity packaging and difficult to keep clean and uncontaminated during day-to-day operations. Instead, specify a pure optical grade cleaning fluid for best success.

Optical grade IPA replacement cleaning fluids are fast-drying, static dissipative and sold in hermetically sealed packaging. Fast drying time is especially important for cleaning fiber. It speeds cleaning time and keeps moisture from attracting to the fluid which minimizes contamination.  A static-dissipative fluid also deflects impurities, especially dust from the cleaning surface. Choosing  an IPA alternative cleaner that is packaged in a hermetically sealed dispenser not only protects the fluid from pollution, but also serves a practical purpose in that it won’t spill out if the dispenser tips over.

In addition, optical grade cleaning fluids do not contain water. They will not freeze when working in cold, outside plant environments. They are also nonflammable, making them safer to store and nonhazardous for transport in service trucks.

So, when you need perfectly clean splices and connectors, Sticklers can provide you with an IPA substitute. The Sticklers Fiber Optic Splice and Connector Cleaner makes and ideal IPA replacement.