The aim of this paper is to present the main results in the field of the practically orientated adaptive discontinuous control algorithms in the applications to the improvement of the electrical drives of the wire rod and light.-section hot forming mills. Material covered includes the theory, structures, as well as technical advances, the experiences of industrial applications, including the new automatic control systems to ensure favourable forming conditions owing to tension free entry of rolling stocks, and the technological and economical advantages of discontinuous adaptive control.