An apparatus is for a process machine having a process-status switch and a process-control element. The apparatus includes a sensor input signal conditioning circuit, a logic circuit and a power output circuit. The sensor input signal conditioning circuit is configured to provide a logic-converted status signal representing a process-status signal associated with the process-status switch of the process machine. The logic circuit is configured to provide a latched output signal converted from the logic-converted status signal provided by the sensor input signal conditioning circuit. The latched output signal has any one of a first latched state and a second latched state. The power output circuit is configured to execute any one of maintaining and disconnecting a voltage being applied to the process-control element depending on the state of the latched output signal.