Abstract: Programmable safety electrical socket controller apparatus for controlling operation of an electrical socket by distinguishing between an actual electrical load and a false load created by human contact, thereby substantially eliminating the risk of electrocution. The controller initially operates in a standby mode wherein the rated voltage of the electrical power system is effectively disconnected from the socket terminals. A data value group representing the electrical characteristics of the connected load is obtained at safe voltage levels and these are examined by a microprocessor, in which there is stored a set of electrical characteristics based on known physiological data relating to the human body.