Appliances and equipment must be furnished with load distributing bases or a sufficient number of what to prevent damage?

The correct answer, which emphasizes the necessity of providing adequate support for appliances and equipment, highlights the need for load distributing bases or a sufficient number of supports to prevent any potential damage. Supports are crucial because they ensure that the weight of the appliance is evenly distributed, reducing stress on any single point that could lead to failure or damage over time.

These supports can be designed specifically to handle the weight and operational load of the equipment, which is essential for maintaining functionality and safety. Without proper supports, appliances may shift, become unstable, or even collapse, leading not only to damage of the equipment itself but also posing safety risks.

Other options such as brackets, fasteners, and pads serve different functions—brackets might provide additional stability but may not be adequate alone without proper supports, fasteners are used to secure components together rather than distribute weight, and pads can help with level surfaces but do not substitute for structural support. Supports are foundational to ensuring the equipment is held securely and safely in place while preventing damage, making this the most appropriate choice.