a lamp protection circuit for smaller gas discharge lamps and for compact fluorescent lamps powered by a ballast . the circuit protects against several lamp failure modes that can cause overheating and cracking of the lamp . power levels in the lamp are sensed and when a level is exceeded , a control signal is generated . the circuit acts to reduce power in an electronic ballast powering the lamp and keeps the lamp powered down when either one of two fault conditions is sensed in the lamp . several embodiments are disclosed .