Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling operation of electric appliances (4a, 4b, 4c). The apparatus comprises electric appliances (4a, 4b, 4c) and at least one control unit (3) for controlling control circuits (10a, 10b, 10c) each containing at least one electric appliance (4a, 4b, 4c), further comprising first relays (1a, 1b, 1c) detecting radiated signals (8) and transmitting signals to control unit (3), and at least one first transducer (14) emitting said radiated signal (8) in the detection range of the first relays (1a, 1b, 1c), and each first relay (1a, 1b, 1c) is arranged close to a corresponding appliance (4a, 4b, 4c), and said signal is an impulsing signal (9) for activate or passivate said control circuits.