A device is provided for controlling an illumination device (50), including a control circuit (110) having an input (102) for coupling to a network voltage conductor (30) and an output (104) for coupling to a supply voltage conductor (40) of the illumination device (50). The control circuit (110) is designed to supply a supply voltage and control signals modulated onto the supply voltage to the illumination device (50) via the output (104). A button (120) influences the generation of the control signals. The control circuit (110) produces an internal supply voltage (Vint) from a voltage which reduces between the input (102) and the output (104) of the control circuit. In the non-actuated state, the button (120) bypasses the input (102) and the output (104) of the control circuit (110).