Abstract: A starting circuit for high intensity discharge lamps supplied from an alternating current line through a ballast inductance, and in some cases a pulse transformer inductance, includes a surge voltage protector (SVP) or like voltage responsive, current switching gas breakdown device connected intermediate the end of the inductance, a capacitor connected to the lamp end of the inductance, the SVP and capacitor being connected in parallel with each other and in series with a resistance across the lamp so that upon breakdown of the device in each half AC cycle the capacitor discharges applying a voltage surge to the lamp stepped up through the inductance. The charge on the capacitor follows the ignition voltage required to start or reignite the lamp as the ignition voltage varies during the life of the lamp.