Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a servo system for removing an electrical discharge machining system electrode from the vicinity of a workpiece for preventing arcing or short circuit conditions, by sensing radio frequency energy created by the resonance's in the EDM system and generating a withdrawal signal in response to the absence or to a predetermined low level or radio frequency energy, which withdrawal signal causes the electrode to rapidly withdraw, and dampening this withdrawal signal to cause the electrode to slowly return to the working distance from the workpiece.