High-pressure discharge lamp

A high-pressure discharge lamp comprising:

• a light-transmitting lamp vessel which is closed in a gastight manner and which is provided with connection points;
• a first electrode and a second electrode which are arranged opposite each other and which are connected to respective connection points, and an ionizable filling in the lamp vessel;
• a light-transmitting outer envelope around the lamp vessel, which envelope is provided with a lamp cap and is closed in a gastight manner;
• a first external contact and a second external contact at the lamp cap for connecting the lamp to a supply device;
• a first current conductor and a second current conductor connecting, respectively, the first electrode and the second electrode via respective connection points to, respectively, the first external contact and the second external contact;
• an ignition electrode between the first electrode and the second electrode;
• transformer means for generating a voltage pulse on the ignition electrode,
• wherein said transformer means comprising a primary winding arranged within the outer envelope in the first current conductor, and a secondary winding having an electrical connection to the ignition electrode;
• and
• a bimetal element incorporated in the electrical connection between the ignition electrode and the secondary winding, the bimetal element bearing against the ignition electrode during ignition, and interrupting the connection during stable operation of the lamp.