In mechanical systems, what does 'self-contained' refer to?

In mechanical systems, 'self-contained' refers to equipment that can function independently without the need for additional components or support systems. This characteristic means that the unit is designed to perform its intended function on its own, including any necessary controls, power supply, and operational mechanisms built into one cohesive system. For instance, a self-contained air conditioning unit comes with its own compressor and evaporator, which allows it to operate efficiently without relying on external equipment.

This definition emphasizes the autonomy of the system, which is crucial in various applications where space, installation time, or access to external resources may be limited or impractical. Therefore, recognizing self-contained systems is vital for understanding their functionality and the contexts in which they can be effectively used.