Abstract: An improved electronic ballast for a florescent lamp includes rectifying/filtering circuity coupled to an A.C. power source, high frequency switching circuitry, starting circuitry connected to the output terminal of the high frequency switching circuitry, and both starting current restraint circuitry connected to the output terminal of the rectifying/filtering circuitry and protection circuitry coupled to the starting circuitry. The starting current restraint circuitry includes a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient which causes current flows through the filaments of the lamp to gradually increase during activation of the lamp tube so as to modify the heating of the filaments, lengthening the opertional life of the lamp.