Abstract: A small thin console or pad has a metal proximity switch actuated by a control ring mounted on one surface, with a small light bulb within the ring. The pad is used for remote control of a load which may be a lamp, or some other electric appliance such as a radio or stereo. The pad is connected to a wall outlet unit containing a triac as a switching device for the load. The light bulb on the pad is normally at a low glow for a night light. When the metal ring is first touched the triac is turned on for the load; and when it is touched again the triac is turned off, thereby shutting off the load, while the light on the pad is brought up to full brilliance for a predetermined interval of time as a courtesy light, and then returns to the normal night light intensity.