hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A technician is called to a server room where a…
A technician is called to a server room where a UPS battery is emitting a strong sulfur smell and the casing feels warm. What immediate action should the technician take?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that opening the UPS or using a fire extinguisher is a safe first response, when in fact the correct action is to isolate and remove the hazard to prevent escalation of thermal runaway.
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
✓
Disconnect the UPS from the mains and move it outside to a safe area.
A strong sulfur smell and warm casing from a UPS battery indicate thermal runaway, a condition where internal chemical reactions generate excessive heat, potentially leading to fire or explosion. The immediate priority is to disconnect the UPS from mains power to stop charging and remove it to a safe, well-ventilated outdoor area to mitigate the risk of toxic gas release or catastrophic failure.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Open the UPS to ventilate the battery compartment.
Why it's wrong here
Opening a malfunctioning UPS, especially one with potential battery issues like swelling or overheating, can release highly corrosive sulfuric acid fumes or flammable hydrogen gas. This action also exposes live electrical components, risking electrocution or exacerbating an internal short circuit, potentially leading to fire or explosion. This is an extremely hazardous and inappropriate troubleshooting step for a critical UPS failure.
- ✗
Continue monitoring the UPS until it shuts down automatically.
Why it's wrong here
A UPS exhibiting signs of malfunction, such as unusual noises, smells, or error indicators, suggests an imminent and potentially escalating failure. Waiting for an automatic shutdown allows the fault to progress unchecked, significantly increasing the risk of thermal runaway in batteries, fire, or even an explosion. Such an event could cause extensive damage to other critical server room equipment or severely injure personnel, making proactive intervention crucial.
- ✓
Disconnect the UPS from the mains and move it outside to a safe area.
Why this is correct
Disconnecting the UPS from the AC mains immediately removes its primary power source, preventing further charging or electrical stress that could worsen an internal fault or battery thermal runaway. Moving the unit to a safe, isolated outdoor area minimizes the risk of fire, toxic fume exposure, or explosion impacting critical infrastructure or personnel within the server room. This action prioritizes safety and containment above all else.
- ✗
Spray the UPS with a fire extinguisher as a precaution.
Why it's wrong here
Applying a fire extinguisher, particularly a dry chemical (ABC) or CO2 type, to a non-flaming but malfunctioning UPS can cause significant electrical damage to internal components, rendering the unit irreparable and potentially voiding warranties. More importantly, it does not address the underlying electrical or battery fault and can create a false sense of security while the internal issue continues to develop. The primary goal is to de-energize and isolate the unit, not to extinguish a non-existent fire.
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JA
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.