1. A solid state power controller (SSPC) for controlling the application of a source voltage to at least one load, comprising: control means for providing a COMMAND signal; said SSPC being responsive to said COMMAND signal for applying said source voltage to said load, a load current being developed in response to the application of said source voltage to said load; said SSPC providing a TRIP signal in response to an overload condition wherein said load current is in excess of a threshold value, said SSPC interrupting the application of said source voltage to said load in response to an overload condition; and said SSPC removing said TRIP signal, and reapplying said source voltage to said load in response to the removal and subsequent reapplication of said COMMAND signal; characterized by: command means for providing a COMMAND ON signal; start-up delay means for establishing the commencement of a start-up delay period in response to the presence of said COMMAND ON signal; and said control means being responsive to the absence of said COMMAND ON signal for removing said COMMAND signal, responsive to the presence of said COMMAND ON signal for providing said COMMAND signal, and responsive to the presence of said trip signal only during said start-up delay period for automatically removing said COMMAND signal for a reset delay period and then automatically reapplying said COMMAND signal.