Abstract: The essential elements of the electrical system of a treater, or dehydrator, of produced oil well fluids are connected and physically oriented as mounted within the shell of the treater. The electrodes of the treater are energized from a line supply and establish electrostatic fields as a varying load on the electrical system. A control circuit is arranged to respond to the current demanded by the varying load and disconnect the load from the line supply in a predetermined program designed to protect the components of the system, yet reconnect the load and supply as frequently as practical.