Abstract: An electrical switch assembly for controlling an electrical appliance, wherein the assembly includes first and second electrical elements. The first element is an on/off switch for initially switching on the appliance. The second element is a pressure-sensitive variable resistor for adjusting the operating condition of the appliance. The variable resistor includes a first part having a resilient deformable and electrically conducting resistive surface and a second part. One of the parts is movable to press against the other part so that their surfaces bear against each other to make an electrical connection between the resistive surface and the element. The resistive surface and the element together provide a resultant resistance between the two contacts that declines as the area of contact increases corresponding to the pressure acting upon the two parts.