What is the definition of equipment in the context of building systems?

In the context of building systems, equipment encompasses all the components that are necessary for the operation of mechanical systems within a building. This includes all piping, ducts, vents, and control devices that are permanently installed and integrated into the building's infrastructure. These components work together to facilitate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, playing a crucial role in maintaining a building's overall environmental control systems.

The other choices reference specific aspects of equipment or appliances but do not cover the full range of what is defined as equipment in building systems. Portable devices or movable appliances pertain to individual items rather than the comprehensive systems that are integral to a building's mechanical operations. Similarly, exterior structures might support equipment but do not define the equipment itself. Thus, the definition that includes all permanently installed components captures the broad scope of equipment within building systems effectively.