hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1202 Practice Question: A technician is configuring power settings for a…
A technician is configuring power settings for a server room that houses critical equipment. The UPS battery backup needs to be tested monthly. What is the most environmentally sound way to conduct the test?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a full discharge is the only way to verify battery health, but the environmentally sound approach is to use a software-based self-test that avoids unnecessary battery wear and waste.
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
✓
Use the UPS management software to run a self-test that checks battery health without full discharge.
Using UPS management software to run a self-test checks battery health without a full discharge, which conserves battery cycle life and avoids unnecessary waste. This method typically performs a brief impedance or load test that verifies the battery's ability to hold a charge without stressing it, aligning with environmental best practices by reducing battery replacement frequency and energy consumption.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Unplug the server from the UPS to simulate a power failure.
Why it's wrong here
This action is highly disruptive and risky. Unplugging a live server from its power source, even if it's a UPS, can cause an immediate, uncontrolled shutdown if the UPS itself fails or is not properly configured, leading to potential data corruption or loss. Furthermore, it unnecessarily discharges the UPS battery, reducing its available runtime for an actual power event and shortening its overall lifespan. This is not a recommended testing procedure.
- ✓
Use the UPS management software to run a self-test that checks battery health without full discharge.
Why this is correct
Modern UPS units include management software that allows technicians to initiate a self-test. This diagnostic procedure typically applies a brief load to the battery and measures its voltage drop and recovery characteristics to assess its health and remaining capacity. It is a non-disruptive, efficient method that verifies battery functionality without requiring a full discharge cycle, thereby preserving battery lifespan and ensuring server uptime. This is the recommended best practice for routine battery health checks.
- ✗
Disconnect the UPS from mains power and let the battery drain completely.
Why it's wrong here
Intentionally disconnecting the UPS from mains power to fully drain its battery is detrimental to battery longevity. Lead-acid batteries, commonly used in UPS systems, have a finite number of deep discharge cycles, and performing them unnecessarily accelerates wear and reduces overall lifespan. While a full discharge might be required for initial calibration or specific troubleshooting, it is an energy-intensive and harmful practice for routine monthly health checks, which should prioritize minimal stress on the battery.
- ✗
Replace the UPS battery every month to avoid testing.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing UPS batteries monthly is an extremely wasteful and impractical approach. UPS batteries typically have a service life of 3-5 years, and premature replacement incurs significant unnecessary costs for new batteries and disposal of still-functional units. This practice also generates excessive hazardous waste, which is environmentally irresponsible and contrary to sustainable IT operations. Regular testing, not frequent replacement, is the correct maintenance strategy.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.