Disclosed is a starter for AC-fed low-pressure discharge lamps that are operated on a series inductor. The starter comprises a glow fuse, a high-temperature conductor (NTC resistor) that is serially connected to the glow fuse, and a resetting bimetal switch which is serially connected to the glow fuse and the high-temperature conductor and is in thermal contact therewith. The high-temperature conductor is provided with high resistance in a cold state, which is transformed into low resistance by elements of built-up heat while the bimetal switch interrupts the electrode heating circuit when the low-pressure discharge lamp fails to ignite. According to the invention, the current is conducted via the high-temperature conductor for both igniting the low-pressure discharge lamp and switching off when the discharge lamp fails to ignite.