Abstract: Control means is provided for non-contact equipment such as a solenoid valve (2) controlling water flow from a faucet (6). The control means comprises a motion detector based on strip antennae (14, 15) which transmit and receive microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation into and out of a preselected detection volume (18). A receiving circuit (16) of the control means may be adjusted so as to vary the detection volume (18), and is provided with a timing means (24) which insure sustained operation of the equipment even when the motion detected in the detection volume (18) is sporadic. The means finds particular application to faucets such as those used to supply water to sinks or basins.