Combination load controller

A power controller comprising:

• a power input terminal, coupleable to a power line;
• a power output terminal, coupleable to a load;
• and
• current limiting means comprising a conductive polymer in series with the power input terminal and the power output terminal, the conducting polymer being variable in resistance as a function of current, thereby limiting current from said power input terminal to said power output terminal, said conductive polymer having a first, relatively lower electrical resistance when conducting a first, relatively lower current, and a second, relatively higher resistance when conducting a second, relatively higher current, said conductive polymer rapidly changing in resistance upon commencement of the relatively higher current, to protect the load from damage caused by excessive current, voltage sensing means coupled to the conductive polymer, for determining a voltage drop across the conductive polymer, and switch means responsive to the voltage sensing means, the switch means opening a conductive path between said power input terminal and power output terminal in response to the voltage drop exceeding a predetermined magnitude when said conductive polymer conducts said second, relatively higher current for longer than a predetermined time.