Starting and operating device for a high pressure discharge lamp

摘要

The invention relates to a starting and operating device, including an inductance in the ignition circuit, for a high pressure discharge lamp, especially for a high pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp with metal halide additive, having at least one starting electrode positioned near one of the main electrodes within the discharge vessel. The starting electrode and the main electrode remote from the starting electrode are bridged by an electric circuit externally of the discharge vessel which comprises a current-interrupting and/or current-limiting electrical component. This arrangement of an auxiliary electrode within the discharge vessel of a high pressure discharge lamp brings about a reduction of the supply voltage required for initiation of the discharge which is particularly desirous in the case of high pressure mercury vapor discharge lamps containing metal halides.