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220-1102 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a PC that…
A technician is troubleshooting a PC that repeatedly shuts down. The user mentions the computer is plugged into a power strip that also has a space heater and a laser printer. What is the most likely cause of the shutdowns?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the concept that high-wattage peripherals sharing a power strip can cause voltage sags or breaker trips, leading candidates to incorrectly blame the PC's power supply (Option A) or assume electrical interference (Option C) rather than recognizing the simple overload condition.
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
✓
The power strip is overloaded and cannot supply stable voltage.
The most likely cause is that the power strip is overloaded because it is simultaneously supplying power to a space heater (a high-wattage resistive load), a laser printer (which draws significant current during fuser warm-up), and the PC. This overload causes the power strip's circuit breaker to trip or the voltage to sag below the PC's power supply tolerance, resulting in repeated shutdowns. Option B is correct because the combined current draw exceeds the power strip's rated capacity, leading to unstable voltage delivery.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The computer's power supply is failing.
Why it's wrong here
A failing computer power supply unit (PSU) would certainly cause system shutdowns, reboots, or prevent the PC from powering on. However, if the problem is specifically linked to the presence of other high-draw devices on the same power strip, the external power delivery system (the strip itself) is a more probable immediate cause. A PSU failure typically manifests independently of other devices sharing an external power source.
- ✓
The power strip is overloaded and cannot supply stable voltage.
Why this is correct
An overloaded power strip occurs when the cumulative current draw of all connected devices exceeds the strip's maximum rated amperage. This excessive demand can lead to a significant voltage drop, known as a brownout, which causes sensitive electronics like a PC to shut down to protect components. Alternatively, the power strip's internal circuit breaker may trip, cutting power to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
- ✗
The space heater is emitting electrical interference.
Why it's wrong here
Electrical interference, such as Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) from a space heater, can cause erratic system behavior, data corruption, or signal degradation. However, it is highly unlikely to cause a complete and repeated system shutdown. Interference typically affects data integrity or peripheral operation rather than directly interrupting the main power supply to the computer.
- ✗
The laser printer needs a toner replacement.
Why it's wrong here
A laser printer needing a toner replacement is a consumable issue that directly impacts the printer's ability to produce images. Low toner levels will result in faded prints, error messages on the printer, or a refusal to print, but they do not affect the printer's electrical power draw or the stability of the power supplied to other devices. This condition has no bearing on a PC's power stability or operation.
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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.