What is a common sign of electrical equipment failure?

A common sign of electrical equipment failure is the presence of sparks, smoke, or unusual odors. These indicators typically suggest that there is a serious issue with the equipment, such as overheating, short circuits, or component malfunction. When electrical devices begin to fail, they can produce sparks due to arcing, emit smoke as insulation materials burn or components overheat, and release unusual odors that may originate from burning plastic or other materials within the device. Recognizing these signs is crucial for ensuring safety in the healthcare environment to prevent potential hazards like fires or electrocution.

In contrast, bright lights and high performance may indicate that equipment is functioning well, while consistent operation without issues suggests that the equipment is not currently failing. A sudden increase in noise could be a sign of wear or damage, but it is not as definitive as the visible signs of sparks, smoke, or odors when identifying electrical equipment failure.