Abstract: The microprocessor controlled lamp flashing system includes a plurality of flash lamp assemblies for providing lighting effects in response to input control signals from a central processor. The control signals are provided in a data packet with intensity and address signals, and each flash lamp assembly includes a microprocessor which controls a flash control circuit for a flash lamp. Each microprocessor is connected to a preset address circuit which causes the microprocessor to respond to a unique address signal in the data packet and register the intensity signal associated with the unique address signal. The microprocessor controls cooldown of the flash lamp by registering intensity values and deactivating the flash control circuit for a determined cooldown time when the intensity values registered in a time period exceed a predetermined threshold value.