Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting an oven switch mounted in a retracted position that is engaged by a probe only when the oven door is closed. A post and a strap restrict access to the access entry, the strap forming a socket that receives an inserted projecting member and restricts its movement to a direction away from the direction of switch actuation. In the preferred embodiment, the strap is a resiliently five sheet metal strip mounted so that the unmounted end that is resiliently urged against the post restricting the access opening. Nevertheless, the access entry freely admits a probe, preferably carried by the door, that is resiliently biased to displacement in that direction and engages the retracted actuator arm of the retracted switch upon complete closure of the oven door.