Abstract: An improved fluorescent lamp is provided with two conductive poles formed at two ends of the lamp. Each conductive pole is contained in a the the lamp tube and includes a a extending contact pin perpendicularly from a conductive pole and extending outwardly from the end portion of the lamp for associating with a contact socket. In start operation, a voltage is supplied to the conductive pole via the contact pin and the contact socket to ionize and start the lamp. The socket is composed of an end cover, a contact plate, and a spring positioned between the end cover and the contact plate, so that the contact pin of the fluorescent lamp may securely engage with the contact socket. The contact plate of the socket further has a concave portion formed at its central portion to securely receive the contact pin of the lamp.