Abstract: Disclosed is a switch module (123) for connecting a load (120) to an ac supply (131), comprising an electromechanical switch (107) for (a) connecting, in response to a mechanical ON signal (108) the ac supply to a load, (b) disconnecting, in response to an electrical OFF signal (132) the ac supply from the load; wherein electrical power is not required to maintain the latched open state or the latched closed state, the switch module further comprising a solid state switch (117) in series with the electromechanical switch, a control module (112) for periodically driving the solid state switch from an on state to an off state during part of an ac cycle, and a storage device (115) to receive power from a voltage (118) developed across the solid state switch, for driving the solid state switch, and to provide the electrical OFF signal to the electromechanical switch.