Abstract: A switching circuit which facilitates electrically controlled actuation of a switching device, such as a relay, in a two-wire circuit where access may be gained only to an active conductor. The switching circuit includes an electrically actuatable switching device which is arranged to be connected in series with a load in the form of a lamp in a single phase as circuit. A solid state second switching device is connected in series with the first switching device. A first energy storage device is connected across the first and second switching devices and a second energy storage device is connected across the second switching device. Gating circuitry associated with the second energy storage device is provided to effect periodic ON-OFF gating of the second switching device during the time that the first switching device is actuated to a conducting state.