Question 5 of 144
SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Question
A systems administrator is configuring a new server that will host a mission-critical database. The server has two redundant power supplies. The organization's data center has two separate power circuits, each backed by a different UPS. Which of the following power configurations provides the BEST redundancy?
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
✓
Connect each power supply to a different power circuit.
Connecting each power supply to a different power circuit ensures that if one circuit or UPS fails, the server continues to receive power from the other source. Option B is correct because it eliminates single points of failure in the power path. Option A is incorrect because connecting both to the same circuit creates a single point of failure; a circuit trip would take down the server. Option C is incorrect because using a single live PSU with a cold spare does not provide automatic failover and would cause downtime if the active PSU fails. Option D is incorrect because a single high-capacity UPS is still a single point of failure, and does not protect against UPS failure or circuit issues.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Connect each power supply to a different power circuit.
Why this is correct
This is the best practice for power redundancy. It ensures that the server remains powered even if one entire circuit or UPS fails.
- ✗
Connect both power supplies to a single, high-capacity UPS.
Why it's wrong here
While a larger UPS may handle total load, it is still a single point of failure. If the UPS itself fails or the circuit feeding it trips, server power is lost.
- ✗
Use a single power supply and keep the second as a cold spare.
Why it's wrong here
A cold spare requires manual intervention to install, leading to extended downtime. Redundant PSUs should be hot-plugged and both active for automatic failover.
- ✗
Connect both power supplies to the same circuit to balance load.
Why it's wrong here
This creates a single point of failure. If the circuit trips, both PSUs lose power and the server goes down unexpectedly.
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Last reviewed: Jul 26, 2026
This SK0-005 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 SK0-005 exam.
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