The correct answer is a C13 to C19 power cord. This is because the server’s redundant power supply uses C13 connectors, while the rack’s Power Distribution Units (PDUs) have C19 outlets, so the cable must bridge these two different IEC standards. C13 connectors are rated for lower current (typically 10A), whereas C19 connectors handle higher current (up to 16A), making them common on larger PDUs. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your knowledge of power connector types and their applications in data center environments. A common trap is confusing the C14 (the inlet on a device’s power supply) with the C13 (the connector on the cable end), or assuming a C14-to-C19 cable is needed—but the server has fixed C13 cords, so the cable must be C13 on the server side. Memory tip: think “13 for small, 19 for big”—the C13 is the smaller, standard connector, while the C19 is the larger, high-current connector.
220-1201 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A data center technician is installing a new server that requires a redundant power supply with two C13 power cords. The rack has two separate PDUs (Power Distribution Units) with C19 outlets. What type of power cable is needed to connect the server to the PDUs?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
C13 to C19 power cord
C13 and C19 are different connector types. C13 is a standard connector for many devices, while C19 is used for higher-current devices. A C14 to C19 cable connects a C13 device to a C19 PDU outlet, but the server has C13 cords, so a C13 to C19 cable is needed. However, the server's power cords are C13, so the technician needs a cable that goes from C13 (server end) to C19 (PDU end). The correct answer is a C13 to C19 power cord.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
C14 to C19 power cord
Why it's wrong here
C14 is a male connector often found on PDU outlets, not on the server's power supply. The server has C13 connectors.
✗
C13 to C14 power cord
Why it's wrong here
This would connect the server to a C14 outlet, but the PDU has C19 outlets, not C14.
✓
C13 to C19 power cord
Why this is correct
This cable connects the server's C13 connector to the PDU's C19 outlet, providing the required power connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
C19 to C20 power cord
Why it's wrong here
C20 is a male connector typically found on high-power devices, not on the server's power supply, which uses C13.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: C13 to C19 power cord — C13 and C19 are different connector types. C13 is a standard connector for many devices, while C19 is used for higher-current devices. A C14 to C19 cable connects a C13 device to a C19 PDU outlet, but the server has C13 cords, so a C13 to C19 cable is needed. However, the server's power cords are C13, so the technician needs a cable that goes from C13 (server end) to C19 (PDU end). The correct answer is a C13 to C19 power cord.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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