A system (FIG. 1) for interrogating the ON-OFF status of an electrical switch (31) comprises a semiconductor body (4) containing a PN junction and means (5) for electrically connecting an auxiliary switch (32) coupled to the interrogated switch, or alternately (FIG. 2) the interrogated switch (32), across the PN junction. Light (7) of a first wavelength incident on the semiconductor body causes light of a second wavelength (11) to be emitted from the body when the switch is open (OFF), whereas no light is emitted from the body when the switch is closed (ON). Therefore, photoelectric detection of the emission vs. non-emission of light of the second wavelength from the semiconductor body indicates the OFF vs. ON status of the switch.