220-1202 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a server that…

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

• ✗

  Replace the power strip with a higher-rated one and reset the breaker.

  Why it's wrong here

  A higher-rated power strip only indicates its own capacity to handle current, not the capacity of the wall circuit it's plugged into. The circuit breaker is designed to protect the building's wiring from overcurrent, which is the limiting factor. Therefore, if the total load from all devices on that circuit exceeds the circuit breaker's rating, it will still trip, regardless of the power strip's rating.

• ✓

  Move one of the other high-power devices to a different circuit and plug the server directly into a wall outlet on its own circuit.

  Why this is correct

  Repeated circuit breaker trips indicate an overload on the circuit. By moving one or more high-power devices to a different electrical circuit, the total current draw on the original circuit is significantly reduced, preventing it from exceeding its rated capacity. Plugging the server directly into a wall outlet on its own dedicated circuit ensures it receives stable power without competing with other heavy loads, resolving the overload issue.

• ✗

  Reset the breaker and use a UPS with a higher wattage rating.

  Why it's wrong here

  A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides temporary battery backup power and surge protection, but it does not increase the electrical capacity of the wall circuit it is connected to. While a higher wattage UPS can support more devices connected to it, the combined power draw of the UPS and all its connected equipment from the wall outlet can still exceed the circuit's rating, causing the breaker to trip.

• ✗

  Install a larger circuit breaker in the panel to handle the load.

  Why it's wrong here

  Circuit breakers are safety devices precisely matched to the gauge of the electrical wiring in the walls to prevent overheating and fire. Installing a larger circuit breaker without upgrading the associated wiring to a thicker gauge would allow excessive current to flow through wires not rated for such loads. This creates a severe fire hazard as the undersized wiring could overheat, melt its insulation, and potentially ignite surrounding materials.

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