A power and control unit for a low or medium voltage apparatus, said apparatus comprising at least a couple of electrical contacts that can be coupled/separated by means of an electro-magnetic actuator, first power storage means for supplying electric power for the operations of said apparatus and power supply means for charging first said power storage means, characterized in that it comprises: a primary control device for managing the operations of said apparatus when said power supply means are available; a secondary control device for managing the operations of said apparatus when said power supply means are not available, said secondary control device being able to receive electric power directly from said first power storage means.