Removing SFP and SFP+ Transceiver Modules

Caution 1: The SFP and SFP+ transceiver modules are static sensitive devices. Always use an ESD wrist strap or similar individual grounding device when handling the transceiver modules or coming in contact with modules, I use the Cisco SFP GLC-SX-MMD and SFP-10G-LR most time on the network.

Caution 2: Be careful when removing GLC-GE-100FX SFPs from a WS-C3750G-12S-S switch. The SFP transceiver module temperature might go over 160°F (70°C) and be too hot to touch with bare hands.

If you are removing an SFP or SFP+ transceiver module, follow these steps:

Step 1 Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap to your wrist and to the ESD ground connector or a bare metal surface on your chassis.

Step 2 Disconnect the network fiber-optic cable or network copper cable from the transceiver module connector. For optical transceiver modules, immediately reinstall the dust plugs in the transceiver module's optical bores and the fiber-optic cable LC connectors.

Tip: For reattachment of fiber-optic cables, note which connector plug is send (TX) and which is receive (RX).

Step 3 Release and remove the transceiver module from the socket connector, as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2, Figure 3, or

•If the SFP transceiver module has a Mylar tab latch, pull the tab gently in a slightly downward direction until the transceiver disengages from the socket connector, and then pull the SFP transceiver module straight out. Do not twist or pull the Mylar tab because you could detach it from the SFP transceiver module.

Figure 1 Removing an SFP Transceiver Module Equipped with a Mylar Tab

•If the SFP transceiver module has an actuator button latch, gently press the actuator button on the front of the SFP transceiver module until it clicks and the latch mechanism releases the SFP transceiver module from the socket connector. Grasp the actuator button between your thumb and index finger, and carefully pull the SFP transceiver module straight from the module slot.

Figure 2 Removing an SFP Transceiver Module Equipped with an Actuator Button Latch

•If the SFP transceiver module has a bail clasp latch, pull the latch out and down to eject the SFP transceiver module from the socket connector. If the bail clasp latch is obstructed and you cannot use your index finger to open it, use a small, flat-blade screwdriver or other long, narrow instrument to open the bail clasp latch. Grasp the SFP transceiver module between your thumb and index finger, and carefully remove it from the socket.

Figure 3 Removing an SFP Transceiver Module Equipped with a Bail Clasp Latch

•The SFP+ transceiver uses a bail clasp style latch which is slightly different than the bail clasp latch for the SFP transceiver. The SFP+ transceiver bail clasp has a small tab protruding down from the bail clasp handle To release the SFP+ bail clasp, push the small tab up and outwards with your index finger to release the bail clasp. Grasp the SFP+ transceiver between your thumb and index finger and carefully remove the transceiver from the socket.

Figure 4 Removing an SFP+ Transceiver Equipped with a Bail Clasp Latch with Tab

Step 4 Place the removed transceiver module in an antistatic bag or other protective environment.