Abstract: A method for starting and operating a preheat type fluorescent lamp includes a source of alternating current, a fluorescent lamp having a low impedance starting mode wherein current passes through one or more starting filaments and a high impedance operating mode wherein current passes through the length of the lamp, a starting switch directing current through the starting filaments in the lamp starting mode, and an inductor ballast having a magnetically permeable core operating in a saturated condition when the lamp is in the low impedance starting mode and in a non-saturated condition when the lamp is in the high impedance operating mode.