Abstract: A proximity switch for controlling lighting devices includes an oscillator operating at a nominal frequency. When a hand is positioned near a sensing antenna, the frequency of the oscillator decreases. The decrease in frequency is detected by a detection circuit which toggles a flip-flop. The output of the flip-flop controls a trigger circuit which provides a trigger input to a triac. When the trigger circuit is active, the triac conducts and provides power to an incandescent lamp. The power is alternatively toggled on and off each time the hand is brought into proximity to the sensing antenna.