A compact non-contact electrical switch for use in an electrical box mounted on a wall has a capacitance sensor for detecting a presence of a hand placed adjacent to the switch and for generating a first data bit, and a CPU for receiving the data bit and for calculating a power output in response to the first data bit. The CPU generates a control signal for controlling a triac or relay and thus the power supplied to an electrical circuit passing through the box, for on/off and optionally dimmer control responsive to the proximity of the hand.