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220-1102 Practice Question: During a network upgrade, a technician needs to…
During a network upgrade, a technician needs to run new Ethernet cables through a drop ceiling. The technician notices that some existing cables are resting on the ceiling tiles and are not secured. What safety concern should the technician address?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is picking the 'convenient' answer (zip ties to sprinkler pipes or leaving cables alone) — 220-1202 tests whether you recognize fire-code and physical-safety violations in cabling work.
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
✓
Secure all cables to the ceiling grid using appropriate cable supports.
Cables resting on ceiling tiles are a fire and safety hazard because they can be damaged, impede airflow, and violate fire codes. The correct action is to secure all cables to the ceiling grid or structure using appropriate cable supports (J-hooks, bridle rings, or cable trays) so they are properly supported and out of the way.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Leave the cables as they are and run the new cables alongside them.
Why it's wrong here
Leaving existing unsecured cables and merely adding new ones exacerbates an already hazardous situation. Unmanaged cables can sag, creating fire risks by resting on hot light fixtures or electrical conduits, and pose a physical danger if they dislodge ceiling tiles. This approach neglects fundamental safety protocols and proper cable management standards, increasing the likelihood of future maintenance issues and potential service disruptions.
- ✓
Secure all cables to the ceiling grid using appropriate cable supports.
Why this is correct
Securing all cables to the ceiling grid with proper supports like J-hooks or cable trays is the correct and safest practice. This method ensures compliance with building codes and TIA/EIA cabling standards, preventing cables from becoming fire hazards, interfering with other building systems, or causing ceiling tile collapse. Proper support also maintains cable integrity, reduces signal interference, and simplifies future troubleshooting and maintenance tasks.
- ✗
Use zip ties to attach the cables to the sprinkler pipes for stability.
Why it's wrong here
Attaching cables to sprinkler pipes, even with zip ties, is a severe violation of fire codes and building regulations. Sprinkler systems are critical life safety infrastructure, and any attachment can impede their functionality, stress the piping, or obstruct maintenance, potentially preventing proper fire suppression during an emergency. This action creates an unacceptable risk to building occupants and can result in significant penalties.
- ✗
Remove the existing cables and replace them with the new ones.
Why it's wrong here
Removing all existing cables without prior assessment or documentation is highly disruptive and risks disconnecting critical services. Many existing cables may support essential systems like security cameras, VoIP phones, or building automation, which are not being upgraded. A proper network upgrade involves careful planning, identification of active circuits, and strategic replacement or addition, not a wholesale, uninformed removal of infrastructure.
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About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every 220-1202 question from scratch — 687 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.