Abstract: A control apparatus for use in conjunction with a lighted, hand held, surgical electrode holder and any electrosurgical current generator normally intended to function with a non-lighted, hand held surgical electrode holder, that permits delivery of illuminating current to the lighted holder's lamp, while simultaneously permitting on a selective basis, cutting current or coagulation current to pass through the holder's active electrode. In addition, the control apparatus provides the lamp with a delay shut-off which thereby permits a surgeon to inspect the site of surgery, either before or following surgery, when cutting or coagulation current does not flow.