A solenoid control and safety circuit suitable for use in connection with contact start, plasma-arc torches. The system monitors a voltage to determine when to open an air control solenoid (622) as part of a contact starting process. If a proper voltage is sensed, a gas solenoid is opened to allow airflow to separate the contact starting elements. The system also includes a circuit (726) that monitors a gas pressure switch to determine whether sufficient pressure exists to separate the contact start elements after a contact start process has been initiated. The circuit removes power if it senses insufficient pressure. Also disclosed is a circuit (626) that monitors a differential voltage between the electrode and the tip to determine if the elements remain in contact after airflow has been provided to the torch head.