The answer is that the servers which remained on had each of their dual power supplies connected to different UPS units, providing true redundancy. This is the core concept of UPS redundancy with dual power supplies: when one power source fails, the other independent source keeps the server running. In the scenario, the servers that shut down had both power supplies plugged into the same failed UPS, offering no failover. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this tests your understanding of fault tolerance and power redundancy in a server room—a common trap is assuming that simply having two power supplies guarantees uptime, when in reality they must be connected to separate circuits or UPS units. A helpful memory tip: think of it as “two plugs, two paths”—if both plugs lead to the same wall socket, a single outage takes you down.
FC0-U61 Infrastructure Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. 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 company has a server room with two UPS units, each connected to a separate power circuit. The server room contains 10 servers, each with dual power supplies. One UPS fails and stops providing power. The administrator notices that half of the servers shut down, while the other half remain on. The servers that shut down were all connected to the failed UPS. However, the servers that remained on were also connected to the same UPS via their second power supply. Why did those servers not fail?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The servers that remained on had both power supplies connected to different UPS units
Option B is correct because the servers that remained on had each of their dual power supplies connected to different UPS units (one to the failed UPS and one to the working UPS). When one UPS failed, the working UPS continued to supply power through the second power supply, allowing those servers to stay operational. The servers that shut down were only connected to the failed UPS via both power supplies or had their second power supply connected to the same failed UPS, providing no redundancy.
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.
✗
The servers that shut down were not connected to the working UPS
Why it's wrong here
They likely were, but their power supplies were not redundant.
✓
The servers that remained on had both power supplies connected to different UPS units
Why this is correct
Dual power supplies connected to separate UPS units provide redundancy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The failed UPS was overloaded and only some servers lost power
Why it's wrong here
UPS failure typically cuts all connected devices.
✗
The servers that remained on had only one power supply connected
Why it's wrong here
If only one, they would have shut down.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume all dual-power-supply servers automatically have redundancy, but the question tests the understanding that redundancy only exists if each power supply is connected to a separate, independent power source.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Dual power supplies in servers are designed for redundancy, typically configured in a 1+1 or N+1 topology. Each power supply is connected to a separate power distribution unit (PDU) and UPS circuit, ensuring that if one power source fails, the server draws full power from the remaining supply without interruption. In this scenario, the servers that remained on had their power supplies connected to different UPS units, achieving true redundancy, while the failed servers likely had both supplies on the same UPS or lacked a second connection to the working UPS.
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 FC0-U61 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.
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The servers that remained on had both power supplies connected to different UPS units — Option B is correct because the servers that remained on had each of their dual power supplies connected to different UPS units (one to the failed UPS and one to the working UPS). When one UPS failed, the working UPS continued to supply power through the second power supply, allowing those servers to stay operational. The servers that shut down were only connected to the failed UPS via both power supplies or had their second power supply connected to the same failed UPS, providing no redundancy.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This FC0-U61 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 FC0-U61 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.