220-1102 Question 727
Single answerDust cleanupA technician is servicing several office desktops that have accumulated a heavy layer of dust inside the cases. One system previously shut down unexpectedly because the CPU temperature was too high. The technician wants to remove the dust without damaging the components or creating a safety issue. Which action should the technician take FIRST?
- A
Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the system while holding the fan blades in place
- B
Use a household vacuum inside the case to pull dust away from the motherboard and power supply
- C
Spray a liquid cleaning solution directly onto the heatsink and motherboard to loosen the dust
- D
Wipe dust from the power supply internals with a damp cloth after opening the PSU housing
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
For A+ Core 2 objectives related to safety and professionalism during hardware maintenance, the correct approach for dust cleanup is to use compressed air carefully and prevent fans from spinning freely during cleaning. This aligns with common manufacturer guidance and general industry best practices for preventive maintenance. Technicians should avoid unsafe methods such as opening power supplies, introducing liquids into the case, or using non-ESD-safe household vacuums on internal components. In real-world support environments, proper dust cleanup helps restore airflow, reduces overheating, and lowers the chance of shutdowns caused by thermal stress.
- A. Correct.
This is the best answer. Using compressed air is a standard and safe method for dust cleanup in PCs when done properly. Holding fan blades in place is important because spinning them excessively from the airflow can damage the fan or potentially generate electrical backfeed into the motherboard. This approach helps clear dust from heatsinks, vents, and other components without direct contact that could cause damage.
- B. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Although it may seem efficient, using a standard household vacuum inside a computer is not recommended because it can generate static electricity and potentially damage sensitive electronic components. It is a common misconception that any vacuum is acceptable for electronics cleanup. Specialized ESD-safe vacuums may be used in certain environments, but a household vacuum is not the best choice.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Liquid cleaning solutions should not be sprayed directly onto internal computer components for dust removal. Moisture can cause short circuits, corrosion, or residue buildup. Dust cleanup inside a PC should generally be performed with dry, non-contact methods such as compressed air rather than wet cleaning agents.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Opening a power supply is unsafe because capacitors can retain dangerous voltage even after the system has been unplugged. A damp cloth also introduces moisture risk. Technicians should not open a PSU for routine dust cleanup unless they are specifically trained and authorized to service internal high-voltage components.