An apparatus comprises a controller for controlling operation of the apparatus and a switch for switchably coupling electrical power to the controller to enable the controller and apparatus to operate. The controller includes a module for controlling the switch to decouple electrical power from the apparatus, including the controller, and the apparatus further comprises a switch controller for controlling the switch to restore electrical power to the apparatus and controller a predetermined period of time after the switch decouples electrical power therefrom. The apparatus may be embodied in a line card of a communication system and the controller may comprise a control processor for controlling local operations of the line card.