FIELD: cleaning exhaust gases of internal-combustion engines. SUBSTANCE: catalytic converter operating device with electric circuit rated at 0.5 to 10 kW has power supply, power switch, electrically heated catalytic converter, and electric wiring. Power switch is, essentially, common actuating element and catalytic converter functions as common adjustable member of at least two different closed control circuits whose common controlled variable is temperature within catalytic converter. Different control circuits have electronic control elements accommodated in electronic unit. The latter has means for checking control circuits and selecting that serviceable in case trouble occurs in operating circuit. EFFECT: provision for switching over to serviceable control circuit without affecting vehicle operation or impairing characteristics of exhaust gases. 13 cl, 4 dwg
