What does the silence function of an alarm system generally affect?

The silence function of an alarm system is designed to temporarily deactivate the audible notifications while leaving the visual alerts active. This is important in situations where the audible alarms may be creating unnecessary disruption, especially in places such as a commercial building where an alarm might be triggered inadvertently. By silencing the audible alarms, the system allows for a more controlled environment while still maintaining visibility through visual alerts, enabling individuals to be aware of the situation without the potential chaos caused by loud sounds.

This approach ensures that responders can still see the visual indicators of an alarm while avoiding confusion or disruption that can arise from incessant audible warnings. Thus, the silence function serves a dual purpose—it aids in maintaining order while still ensuring safety, as visual signals can guide individuals to evacuate or respond appropriately to the alarm situation.