hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1202 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a network switch…
A technician is troubleshooting a network switch that has stopped working. Upon arrival, the technician notices a strong smell of burnt plastic and sees that the power cable is melted near the connector. What is the most appropriate safety action?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that unplugging the cable (Option A) is the fastest safe action, but the trap is that touching a melted or damaged connector while the circuit is live can cause electrocution or arc flash, making breaker isolation the correct first step.
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
✓
Turn off the circuit breaker supplying the outlet.
The strong smell of burnt plastic and melted power cable indicate an electrical fault that could cause a fire or electric shock. Turning off the circuit breaker (Option B) is the most appropriate safety action because it disconnects power at the source, eliminating the risk of arcing or electrocution before any physical contact is made with the damaged equipment.
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 power cable from the switch.
Why it's wrong here
Attempting to unplug a power cable that is visibly melted or damaged presents a significant electrical shock hazard. The insulation is compromised, potentially exposing live conductors, and direct contact with energized parts can lead to severe injury or electrocution. Prioritizing personal safety dictates avoiding direct interaction with compromised electrical components until the power source has been safely and completely de-energized at a point upstream from the fault.
- ✓
Turn off the circuit breaker supplying the outlet.
Why this is correct
Turning off the circuit breaker supplying the outlet is the safest and most effective method to de-energize the circuit in this scenario. This action completely isolates the power source from the outlet and the connected switch without requiring the technician to touch the damaged cable or the potentially compromised device. This adheres to fundamental electrical safety protocols, eliminating the immediate risk of electric shock or further damage while allowing for safe inspection.
- ✗
Replace the power cable with a new one.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the power cable without first de-energizing the circuit is extremely dangerous and could result in severe electric shock or further electrical fault. A melted cable often indicates an underlying issue, such as an overloaded circuit, an internal short within the switch's power supply, or a faulty component drawing excessive current. Simply replacing the cable without addressing the root cause or ensuring the circuit is dead is an unsafe, incomplete, and potentially hazardous troubleshooting step.
- ✗
Spray the cable with a Class C fire extinguisher.
Why it's wrong here
A Class C fire extinguisher is specifically designed for electrical fires, but its use is only appropriate if there is an active flame or fire. In this situation, the cable is described as melted, indicating a significant electrical hazard and potential for fire, but not necessarily an active blaze requiring an extinguisher. The immediate and paramount priority is to safely remove the power source to prevent a fire from starting or escalating, rather than applying an extinguisher preemptively without an active fire.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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