An energy savings device for an inductive, a resistive or a capacitive load, such as a
fluorescent light fixture having a magnetic
ballast or an electronic
ballast, which is powered by an AC
voltage waveform. The energy savings device includes a setting unit for setting a desired power operating level for the load. The energy savings device also includes a processor configured to receive a
signal from the setting unit indicative of the desired power operating level for the load, to determine a phase
delay to be provided to an output AC
voltage waveform that is to be provided to the load, and to output a
control signal as a result thereof. The energy savings device further includes an active element provided between a line that provides the input AC
voltage waveform and the load, the active element receiving the
control signal and turning off and on at predetermined times in accordance with the
control signal, so as to create the output AC voltage waveform from the AC voltage waveform. The processor includes a synchronization circuit that synchronizes to the Green Safety
ground line.