A bi-level lamp ballast to selectively operate two lamps is provided. The ballast includes a control circuit having an input, connected to a switching network, and an output, which provides a particular control signal based on the state of the switching network. The ballast also includes respective lamp control switches, each having respective outputs. The first switch is connected to the output and a ballast power supply. In its first state, it connects the ballast power supply to its first output, and in its second state, it connects the ballast power supply to its second output. The second switch is connected to the output and a ground. In its first state, it connects the ground to its first output, and in its second state, it connects the ground to its second output. The state of each lamp control switch depends on the control signal generated by the control circuit.