mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
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. What is the most important safety precaution to take?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between general safety equipment (like hard hats) and task-specific electrical safety tools, so the trap here is that candidates may choose a hard hat as a 'common sense' safety item, overlooking the more critical step of verifying that no live electrical wires are present in the drop ceiling.
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
✓
Use a non-contact voltage tester to check for live wires.
The most important safety precaution when running cables through a drop ceiling is to use a non-contact voltage tester to check for live wires. Drop ceilings often conceal electrical wiring, and accidentally cutting or damaging a live wire can cause electrocution, fire, or equipment damage. A non-contact voltage tester allows the technician to detect the presence of AC voltage without making physical contact, ensuring the area is safe before handling cables.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Wear a hard hat to protect against head injuries.
Why it's wrong here
Wearing a hard hat is a general safety practice for construction environments where falling debris or overhead obstructions pose a significant risk of head injury. However, when a technician is specifically running network cables within a drop ceiling, the immediate and most critical hazard is not typically falling objects but rather accidental contact with live electrical wiring that may be present above the ceiling tiles. While good general safety, it does not address the primary, life-threatening electrical risk inherent to this specific task.
- ✓
Use a non-contact voltage tester to check for live wires.
Why this is correct
Using a non-contact voltage tester (NCVT) is the most critical safety precaution because it directly addresses the primary hazard of electrocution when working in areas with existing electrical infrastructure. This device allows a technician to detect the presence of alternating current (AC) voltage in wires, conduits, or outlets without making physical contact, thereby identifying energized circuits before any cable installation or manipulation occurs. Verifying the absence of live wires in the cable path is paramount to prevent severe injury or fatality.
- ✗
Ensure the area is well-ventilated.
Why it's wrong here
Ensuring the area is well-ventilated is important for tasks that generate fumes, dust, or involve working in confined spaces where air quality can quickly degrade. However, the act of simply running network cables in a typical drop ceiling does not inherently produce hazardous fumes or significant dust, nor does it usually constitute a confined space requiring specialized ventilation. Therefore, while general comfort might be improved, ventilation is not the primary safety concern or a critical hazard mitigation for this specific cabling task.
- ✗
Wear anti-static gloves to prevent ESD.
Why it's wrong here
Wearing anti-static gloves is essential when handling sensitive electronic components, such as RAM modules, circuit boards, or hard drives, to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging their delicate internal circuitry. When a technician is running passive network cabling (e.g., Ethernet cables) through a drop ceiling, they are not typically interacting with ESD-sensitive equipment. The primary hazards in this environment are physical (e.g., falls, cuts) and, most critically, electrical shock from existing power lines, making ESD protection irrelevant to the main risks.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This 220-1202 question is part of Courseiva's 495-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.