A method and apparatus for protecting a discharge lamp lighting device from damage due to mis-wiring of a source of electrical power to the discharge lamp lighting device. The protection apparatus includes a detector, a comparer and an inhibitor. The detector samples at least one monitor point associated with the discharge lamp lighting device to obtain at least one detection voltage. The comparer compares the at least one detection voltage with a reference voltage. The inhibitor inhibits an operation of the discharge lamp lighting device when the comparer determines that a mis-wiring of the source of electrical power to the discharge lamp lighting device exists.