- A
Replace the power strip with a higher-rated one and reset the breaker.
Why wrong: A higher-rated power strip does not increase the capacity of the circuit; the breaker will still trip if the total load exceeds the circuit rating.
- B
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.
This reduces the load on the original circuit and ensures the server has dedicated power, preventing overload.
- C
Reset the breaker and use a UPS with a higher wattage rating.
Why wrong: A UPS does not prevent a circuit overload; it only provides backup power. The breaker will still trip if the circuit is overloaded.
- D
Install a larger circuit breaker in the panel to handle the load.
Why wrong: Replacing a breaker with a larger one without upgrading the wiring is a fire hazard and violates electrical code.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to 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. This is the appropriate step because a circuit breaker repeatedly tripping under load is a clear sign of an overloaded circuit, where the combined current draw of the server and the two other high-power devices exceeds the circuit’s rated amperage. By redistributing the load and giving the server a dedicated circuit, you eliminate the root cause without bypassing safety limits or risking fire. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of power management and safety protocols in a data center environment; a common trap is to simply replace the breaker or use a higher-rated power strip, which ignores the overload and violates safety best practices. Remember the memory tip: “One circuit, one high-power device” — if it trips, shift the load, not the breaker.
220-1102 Safety Procedures and Compliance Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of safety procedures and compliance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 troubleshooting a server that repeatedly trips the circuit breaker in the data center. The server is plugged into a power strip that is also serving two other high-power devices. What is the most appropriate safety and troubleshooting 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
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.
The repeated tripping indicates the circuit is overloaded. The safest and most effective step is to redistribute the load by moving one high-power device to a different circuit and plugging the server directly into a dedicated wall outlet. This isolates the server's power draw and prevents overloading the shared circuit, addressing the root cause without bypassing safety limits.
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.
- ✗
Replace the power strip with a higher-rated one and reset the breaker.
Why it's wrong here
A higher-rated power strip does not increase the capacity of the circuit; the breaker will still trip if the total load exceeds the circuit 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
This reduces the load on the original circuit and ensures the server has dedicated power, preventing overload.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reset the breaker and use a UPS with a higher wattage rating.
Why it's wrong here
A UPS does not prevent a circuit overload; it only provides backup power. The breaker will still trip if the circuit is overloaded.
- ✗
Install a larger circuit breaker in the panel to handle the load.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing a breaker with a larger one without upgrading the wiring is a fire hazard and violates electrical code.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that upgrading the power strip or breaker is a valid fix, when in fact the correct approach is to redistribute the load to separate circuits to stay within safe electrical limits.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Data center circuits are typically rated for 15A or 20A at 120V (or 10A/16A at 230V). A single high-power server can draw 5–10A, and adding two more devices can easily exceed the breaker's trip threshold. The breaker trips to prevent overheating of the wiring; simply resetting it or upgrading the strip ignores the underlying load imbalance. Proper load calculation and circuit isolation are fundamental to data center power distribution and safety.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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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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: 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. — The repeated tripping indicates the circuit is overloaded. The safest and most effective step is to redistribute the load by moving one high-power device to a different circuit and plugging the server directly into a dedicated wall outlet. This isolates the server's power draw and prevents overloading the shared circuit, addressing the root cause without bypassing safety limits.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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