Which is a mechanical damage cause?

• A. Gas exposure and solvent damage
• B. Cuts, abrasions, dragging over rough surfaces, dropping couplings, or vehicle contact
• C. Heat damage to jacket
• D. Vandalism or tampering

Answer: (B)

Mechanical damage is physical harm to a hose caused by how it is handled, moved, or struck—things that bend, cut, or abrade the material. The listed items fit this well: cuts and abrasions, dragging over rough surfaces, dropping couplings, and vehicle contact all involve direct physical interaction that wears or dents the hose. Gas exposure and solvent damage involve chemical processes that weaken or degrade materials, not just surface wear. Heat damage to the jacket is caused by high temperature, a thermal effect rather than mechanical wear. Vandalism or tampering describes intentional damage, which can be varied, but it doesn’t describe the typical mechanical wear from handling and use. So the best choice is the one that enumerates those physical contact and wear events.