Guards for mechanical protection of notification appliances are necessary when?

Mechanical guards for notification appliances are specifically required when those appliances are at risk of sustaining physical damage. This is important because notification appliances, such as alarms and signals, must remain functional and intact to ensure safety. If these devices are located in an environment where they are likely to be bumped, struck, or otherwise compromised due to everyday activities or conditions, implementing guards helps preserve their integrity and operational capacity.

In contrast, while appliances that are not in use might not need guards because they are not exposed to risks, and those in high humidity areas may require other forms of protection such as weatherproofing, neither situation necessitates mechanical protection in the same way. Similarly, although appliances located outdoors may encounter elements like weather or temperature fluctuations, the primary concern for mechanical guards relates to the potential for physical damage rather than environmental factors. Therefore, the emphasis on guarding against mechanical damage is pivotal for ensuring that notification appliances remain operational and reliable when needed.