Abstract: A power controller device used for dimming fluorescent lights includes a power supply circuit for producing a rectified AC power output, a start pulse generator for producing a start pulse in response to the power output, and a switch energized in response to the start pulse to deliver power to the load. A phase detector is connected with the power supply for generating a synchronized saw-tooth voltage waveform from the rectified power output and a power level control circuit is connected with the power supply for setting a voltage threshold level for controlling the power level supplied to the load. A run pulse generator is connected with the phase detector and the power level control circuit and produces run pulses when the saw-tooth voltage waveform from the phase detector exceeds the voltage threshold level. Timer and restart circuits are also provided. The timer circuit disables the power level control circuit for a pre-determined warm-up period wherein full power is delivered to the light for start-up.