- A
Immediately open the case and touch the CPU heatsink to check temperature.
Why wrong: Touching internal components while the system is powered on and hot can cause burns or static discharge damage.
- B
Unplug the computer, let it cool for 30 minutes, then inspect for dust or fan failure.
Unplugging ensures no power is supplied, and letting it cool prevents burns; inspection can then be done safely.
- C
Spray compressed air into the vents while the system is running to clear dust.
Why wrong: Spraying compressed air into a running system can cause fan blades to spin too fast and damage bearings or generate static.
- D
Replace the power supply unit immediately to fix the overheating.
Why wrong: Replacing the PSU without diagnosing the cause of overheating is premature and may not address the actual issue, such as a clogged fan.
220-1202 Safety Procedures and Compliance Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of safety procedures and compliance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 customer reports that their computer shuts down unexpectedly after a few minutes of use. The system feels hot to the touch, and the fan is running loudly. What is the most appropriate first step for a technician to take to ensure safety while diagnosing the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Unplug the computer, let it cool for 30 minutes, then inspect for dust or fan failure.
This question tests knowledge of electrical safety and proper handling of overheated equipment. The correct answer is to unplug the computer to prevent electrical shock or fire, then allow it to cool before inspecting internal components. Attempting to open a hot system or ignoring the heat can lead to injury or further damage.
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.
- ✗
Immediately open the case and touch the CPU heatsink to check temperature.
Why it's wrong here
Touching internal components while the system is powered on and hot can cause burns or static discharge damage.
- ✓
Unplug the computer, let it cool for 30 minutes, then inspect for dust or fan failure.
Why this is correct
Unplugging ensures no power is supplied, and letting it cool prevents burns; inspection can then be done safely.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Spray compressed air into the vents while the system is running to clear dust.
Why it's wrong here
Spraying compressed air into a running system can cause fan blades to spin too fast and damage bearings or generate static.
- ✗
Replace the power supply unit immediately to fix the overheating.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the PSU without diagnosing the cause of overheating is premature and may not address the actual issue, such as a clogged fan.
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 220-1202 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
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Safety Procedures and Compliance — study guide chapter
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Safety Procedures and Compliance practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Safety Procedures and Compliance — This question tests Safety Procedures and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Unplug the computer, let it cool for 30 minutes, then inspect for dust or fan failure. — This question tests knowledge of electrical safety and proper handling of overheated equipment. The correct answer is to unplug the computer to prevent electrical shock or fire, then allow it to cool before inspecting internal components. Attempting to open a hot system or ignoring the heat can lead to injury or further damage.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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