220-1101 Question 434
Select 2Liquid damageA user spills coffee onto a powered-on laptop keyboard. The laptop immediately shuts off, and the user brings it to the help desk within a few minutes. The technician's goal is to reduce the chance of further damage before sending the device for repair. Which TWO actions should the technician take first?
- A
Disconnect AC power, remove the battery if it is removable, and keep the laptop powered off
- B
Turn the laptop back on briefly to see whether the keyboard still works
- C
Blot visible liquid, place the laptop so remaining liquid can drain away from internal components, and tag it for service
- D
Use a hair dryer on high heat to dry the keyboard as quickly as possible
- E
Spray isopropyl alcohol directly into the keyboard while the device is still assembled
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: A, C
Explanation
For A+ Core 1, the correct response to liquid damage focuses on immediate power removal and preventing further harm. Standard best practice is to disconnect external power, remove a removable battery if possible, and avoid turning the system back on. The technician should then limit liquid spread by blotting and positioning the device to drain safely, followed by proper service escalation. This is especially important with coffee or other sugary liquids because residue can cause corrosion and ongoing electrical problems even after the visible moisture is gone. Manufacturer service documentation commonly advises powering the device down, disconnecting power, and arranging internal inspection/cleaning rather than attempting to test or force-dry the system immediately.
- A. Correct.
Correct. The first priority after liquid exposure is to remove power sources to reduce the risk of short circuits and additional component damage. If the battery is removable, taking it out is appropriate. The laptop should remain powered off until it can be properly inspected and serviced.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Powering on a liquid-damaged laptop, even briefly, can worsen electrical shorts and corrosion-related failures. A common mistake is to test functionality too soon, but best practice is to avoid applying power after a spill.
- C. Correct.
Correct. Carefully blotting excess liquid and positioning the laptop to allow drainage are appropriate immediate actions. This helps limit liquid migration inside the device. Tagging it for service is also appropriate because internal inspection and cleaning may be required, especially with a sugary drink like coffee, which can leave conductive and corrosive residue.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. High heat from a hair dryer can damage plastics, push liquid deeper into the system, and create uneven drying. A common misconception is that faster drying with heat is safer, but uncontrolled heat is not recommended for electronics after liquid exposure.
- E. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Isopropyl alcohol may be used in controlled cleaning during disassembly by qualified personnel, but spraying it directly into an assembled keyboard is not an appropriate first response. It can spread contamination further and does not replace proper teardown and inspection.