Abstract: An optically controlled dimmer type device which can be used to regulate the brightness of an incandescent lamp. The device can also be used to control other electrical loads such as a.c. type motors. One of the main characteristic of the device is that it is adapted to be optically controlled. The device includes a light emitting component adapted to emit light and a light receiving component positioned to receive the light reflected by an object from the light emitting component and to thereby generate an output signal. A processing circuit including a phase shift circuit is operatively associated to the light receiving component. The processing circuit is adapted to receive the ouput signal and process the output signal and thereby regulate power output to the electrical load.