A load control device includes: a main switching unit which has a main switch element connected in series to an AC power source and a load and controls the supply of power to the load; a manipulation switch that outputs a start-up signal for starting at least the load; a control unit which controls the opening and closing of the main switching unit; a first power source unit supplying a stable voltage to the control unit; and a second and a third power source unit each supplying power to the first power source unit. The load control device is characterized in that upon receiving the start-up signal, the control unit outputs an initial drive signal, for closing the main switch element, to the main switching unit before a power source supplying power to the first power source unit is switched from the second to the third power source unit.