- A
Wear a grounding strap and immediately open the case.
Why wrong: While a grounding strap is good, the technician should first discharge residual power by pressing the power button.
- B
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to drain residual charge, then wear an ESD strap.
This discharges the capacitors and reduces shock risk; the ESD strap then prevents static damage.
- C
Spray the interior with compressed air to remove dust before touching anything.
Why wrong: Compressed air is for cleaning, not for safety; it does not discharge capacitors and could blow dust into sensitive areas.
- D
Remove the CMOS battery first to ensure no power remains.
Why wrong: Removing the CMOS battery does not discharge the main capacitors in the power supply; pressing the power button is the standard method.
Quick Answer
The correct step is to press and hold the power button for 10 seconds after unplugging the system, then wear an ESD strap. This action safely discharges residual power stored in the power supply’s capacitors and other components, eliminating the risk of electric shock or accidental short circuits when you touch internal hardware. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of proper power-down procedures and electrostatic discharge prevention—a common trap is thinking that simply unplugging the PC makes it safe, but capacitors can hold a dangerous charge for minutes. Remember the memory tip: “Unplug, then press—drain the stress; strap your wrist, avoid the twist.” This sequence ensures you discharge residual power before touching components, protecting both you and the sensitive electronics.
220-1202 Safety Procedures and Compliance Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of safety procedures and compliance. 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 technician is installing a new power supply in a desktop computer. After unplugging the system, what should the technician do before touching any internal components?
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
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to drain residual charge, then wear an ESD strap.
Option B is correct because pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds after unplugging the system discharges the remaining charge in the power supply capacitors and other components, reducing the risk of electric shock or damage. Wearing an ESD strap then provides a path to ground for static electricity, protecting sensitive internal components from electrostatic discharge.
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.
- ✗
Wear a grounding strap and immediately open the case.
Why it's wrong here
While a grounding strap is good, the technician should first discharge residual power by pressing the power button.
- ✓
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to drain residual charge, then wear an ESD strap.
Why this is correct
This discharges the capacitors and reduces shock risk; the ESD strap then prevents static damage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Spray the interior with compressed air to remove dust before touching anything.
Why it's wrong here
Compressed air is for cleaning, not for safety; it does not discharge capacitors and could blow dust into sensitive areas.
- ✗
Remove the CMOS battery first to ensure no power remains.
Why it's wrong here
Removing the CMOS battery does not discharge the main capacitors in the power supply; pressing the power button is the standard method.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that simply unplugging the system makes it safe to work inside, or that removing the CMOS battery is the correct way to eliminate all power, when in fact the primary danger is the residual charge in the power supply capacitors.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Modern power supplies contain large electrolytic capacitors that can store a charge of several hundred volts for up to 30 seconds or longer after the system is unplugged. Pressing the power button closes a circuit that allows these capacitors to discharge through the motherboard's load, safely dissipating the energy. In some ATX power supplies, the 5VSB (standby) rail may also hold a charge, and the power button discharge method ensures that rail is drained as well.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Safety Procedures and Compliance — study guide chapter
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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: Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to drain residual charge, then wear an ESD strap. — Option B is correct because pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds after unplugging the system discharges the remaining charge in the power supply capacitors and other components, reducing the risk of electric shock or damage. Wearing an ESD strap then provides a path to ground for static electricity, protecting sensitive internal components from electrostatic discharge.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1202
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is replacing a power supply in a desktop computer. After unplugging the unit, what additional step should be taken to ensure personal safety before touching internal components?
medium- A.Wear an anti-static wrist strap.
- ✓ B.Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
- C.Remove the CMOS battery.
- D.Unplug all peripheral cables.
Why B: After unplugging the power supply, pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds discharges residual electrical charge stored in the system's capacitors (especially in the power supply and motherboard). This step, often called a 'parasitic drain,' ensures that no stored voltage remains that could cause an electric shock or damage components when touched. It is a standard safety practice before working inside a desktop computer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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