Alternating current energized appliances, particularly lamps, are extinguished in delayed fashion with the power delivered to the appliance being sharply reduced during at least the last portion of the extinction cycle. Delayed interruption of power is accomplished by means of a first circuit, including a series connected diode and heater, connected in parallel with the appliance and a second circuit, including a series connected diode and temperature responsive switch, connected in parallel with a main power switch. The heater and temperature responsive switch are mounted in proximity to one another and the diodes are arranged in opposition.