An electronic ballast circuit for a handheld fluorescent task lamp,
comprising a self-starting electronic driver circuit operated by a power
supply and operable to start and run at least first and second compact
fluorescent bulbs from a single output; first and second receptacles for
connecting the first and second bulbs to the single output; and a bulb
accommodation circuit in the electronic driver circuit that enables
operation of the electronic ballast circuit with either starter or
non-starter type fluorescent bulbs and with either one or both bulbs.