Intermittent electrical power is applied to a lamp ballast to achieve reliable ignition within specifications of the related hardware. The operating state of the lamp is sensed to facilitate application of the power during lamp ignition. Control circuitry associated with a ballast is operable to interrupt the ionizing potential once prior to the lamp's reaching an igniting state. That is, an ignition cycle associated with the ionizing potential may be intermittent, having an interruption, or “off” period. For example, a ten-second ignition cycle may include a one-second “on” period, followed by nine-seconds of no ionizing potential. The ignition sequence and associated intermittent ionizing potential supply will repeat as necessary to achieve lamp ignition. The intermittent nature of the ballast output enables the lamp to achieve an ignited state in manner that obviates the need for large, damaging voltage spikes. This feature mitigates loss of material from electrodes, the occurrence of tube blackening and the shortening of lamp life. Consequently, the efficiency of the lamp is improved over time, and lamp operation requires less applied power. Timing protocol of the invention additionally ensures compatibility with conventional RMS and other equipment ratings, reducing requirements for high voltage wiring and sockets.