Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the operation of electrically operated equipment, such as power tools and the like. The apparatus includes circuit connectors, including first and second spaced terminals, in which the first terminal is connected to a source of electricity and the second terminal is connected to the equipment itself so that electricity can be supplied to the equipment by electrically connecting the spaced terminals.

Abstract: A locking and release mechanism for use in connection with retractable drop lights is disclosed including a spring loaded reel mounted for rotational movement so that a conductor for the drop light can be reeled and unreeled therefrom. The mechanism includes a ratchet rotatable with the reel, a pawl pivotably mounted adjacent to the ratchet so that the pawl can be rotated between positions engaging the ratchet and disengaging the ratchet, thus permitting the spring loaded reel to rewind the conductor, a solenoid for pivoting the pawl between those two positions, and a switch located in proximity to the drop light itself for connection to the solenoid through the conductor so that the solenoid can be selectively activated from that switch location.