Abstract: An electrodeless low-pressure discharge lamp according to the invention comprises a light-transmitting discharge vessel which is provided with an ionizable filling. The discharge vessel has a cavity in which an electric coil is arranged which is provided with a primary and a secondary winding around a metal body, the primary winding of the coil being connected to a first and a second electrical conductor of a cable for connection to a first and a second output terminal of a high-frequency supply the second output terminal of the supply being free from high-frequency voltage variations relative to ground (M). The secondary winding is connected at one of its ends to the second electrical conductor and has a further, free end. The electrical conductors are electrically insulated from one another, the second electrical conductor surrounding the first electrical conductor. The metal body is capacitively coupled to the second electrical conductor.

Abstract: An illumination unit according to the invention comprises an electrodeless low-pressure discharge lamp 10. The illumination unit is provided with a lamp vessel 20 which encloses a discharge space 21 which contains an ionizable filling. The illumination unit is in addition provided with a holder 60 for the lamp vessel 20, with a coil 30 for generating a high-frequency magnetic field so as to maintain an electric discharge in the discharge space 21, and with a high-frequency supply 50 for the coil. The illumination unit is further provided with ignition aids 40 for promoting the initiation of the discharge.