The invention relates to a discharge lamp having and envelope and at least one pair of inner leads and at least one pair of outer leads corresponding thereto, at least one end of each lead disposed in the interior of the lamp, with a substantially planar foil between any one pair of inner and outer leads, and a connector provided between any one lead and the foil, the connector having at least one planar contact surface for connecting the lead to the foil and increasing the contact surface area and providing means for dissipating excess heat and energy that enters the lamp.