Abstract: A system and method for controlling an appliance, such as an indoor ceiling fan, including a controller operatively connected to the appliance motor for controlling its speed and direction of rotation in response to command signals, a control switch adapted to be located remote from the appliance such as a on a wall to provide command signals in response to manual inputs, and a communication link such as the existing a.c. power line, for transmitting command signals from the control switch to the appliance controller. The control switch is characterized by a plurality of operator members such as a keypad each providing no more than one distinct primary function command when manually operated and a processor for converting function commands provided by the operator members into speed and direction command signals for use by the appliance controller. The appliance controller comprises a processor for converting command signals received by the controller into signals for controlling the supply of motor current.