a control system for a refrigerator ice / water dispenser includes an actuation switch , at least one drive unit for releasing either ice or water , a motor activation relay that controls operation of the drive unit , and a power system having multiple power supplies for operating the control system , motor activation relay and drive unit . preferably , the dispenser includes multiple actuation switches , e . g . a water activation switch and a water / ice activation switch , each having an associated activation relay for independently controlling the release of water and / or ice respectively . current for initiating the drive unit activation relays must pass through a corresponding actuation switch in order to prevent unintended release of water and / or ice . multiple processor circuits are preferably employed , with one processor circuit relaying to another processor circuit to enable drive unit activation . preferably , the actuation switches constitute membrane switches so as to maintain minimum voltage levels at the dispenser .