Abstract: The invention relates to the idea of a device which can be interposed between a lamp and its socket for a variety of purposes including control of the operation of the lamp, hazard and security status detection. In one form the device is responsive to the light's wall switch being turned off and then rapidly on again to initiate a periodic energization of the lamp so as to give the impression that the room in which the lamp is located is occupied. Various other uses for the device are also disclosed.