Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Practice Exam

What is commonly the first troubleshooting step for power-related issues in an AV rack?

1. Inspect the circuit breaker

2. Check the power connections

3. Verify the load capacity

4. Perform a function test

The correct answer is: Check the power connections

When addressing power-related issues in an AV rack, checking the power connections is typically the first troubleshooting step because it directly assesses whether the equipment is receiving the necessary power. Loose or disconnected power cables are common causes of power failures, and ensuring that all connections are secure can often resolve the issue quickly. This initial step helps to eliminate the most straightforward potential problems before moving on to more complex troubleshooting. Inspecting the circuit breaker, verifying the load capacity, and performing a function test are all important steps in the troubleshooting process, but they are generally taken after confirming that the power connections are intact and secure. If the connections are loose or faulty, the circuit breaker may not have been tripped, the load capacity might not be an issue, and conducting a function test would be pointless if there is no power reaching the equipment. Thus, verifying power connections streamlines the troubleshooting process and addresses the most immediate concerns first.