NIEDERDRUCKENTLADUNGSLAMPE

The invention relates to a low-pressure discharge lamp comprising a glass discharge vessel ( 1 ) which is substantially tubular in form and which is closed in a gas-tight manner on the ends thereof, a filling consisting of an inert gas mixture and quicksilver, in addition to an optional luminous coating on the inner wall of the discharge vessel ( 1 ). Two current supply inlets are respectively melted into the two ends of the discharge vessel ( 1 ), with a helical electrode secured thereto ( 5 ). The invention is characterized in that in order to increase the switching resistance of the lamp in a cold start operation, at least one other electrode ( 7,8 ) made of a conductive material is arranged in the region between the helical electrode ( 5 ) and the connecting end of the discharge vessel ( 1 ) and one end of said other electrode ( 7, 8 ) is electrically connected to one of the two current supply inlets ( 3,4 ).