A system for actuating electrical equipment, in particular a high-voltage section switch or a high-voltage grounding section switch includes, in a control box, a rotary drive unit for driving the contacts of the equipment. A control circuit includes "end-of-stroke" contacts associated with the contacts of the equipment. The system includes a portable electric motor having a self-contained power supply. The motor is equipped with a mechanical coupling for mechanically coupling the motor to the rotary drive unit, and is provided with an electrical connector for connecting the motor to the control circuit.