<p>An ignition circuit for generating high voltage pulses to a discharge lamp is provided with a switching element (SW1) to enable to stop generating said high voltage pulses when the lamp does not ignite or has ignited. The switching element (SW1) is connected between the input terminals (ground, Vdc) of a supply voltage and a parallel circuit of a capacitor (C1) and a series connection of a breakdown device (B1) and a primary winding (W1) of a transformer (T1). Switching the switching element (SW1) non-conductive prevents that the capacitor (C1) from charging.</p>
