A system for activating a load such as an exhaust fan within an enclosed area concurrently with the activation of a lamp switch and for continuing the operation of the load for a predetermined period of time after the deactivation of the lamp switch. A monitor detects when the lamp switch is activated and provides an output signal representative thereof. A timer is provided which is deactivated when the monitor output signal is present but functions when the lamp switch is deactivated and after a preset but variable time provides a signal for deactivating the load. The timer includes a pulse generator and a counter which receives the output of the pulse generator and counts pulses when the lamp switch is deactivated and provides the deactivation signal for the load when it reaches a predetermined count.