This
compact fluorescent lamp comprises a
discharge tube arrangement with at least one
discharge tube. The tube is formed of glass, encloses a
discharge volume filled with a discharge gas and has a fluorescent
phosphor coating disposed on the inner surface of the tube. The tube forms a continuous arc path and the tube is provided with electrodes disposed at each end of the arc path. The lamp also comprises a
ballast circuit connected to the electrodes for controlling the current in the tube and a lamp base for connecting said lamp to a power supply through a socket. The lamp is enclosed in an outer envelope comprising a substantially spherical portion enclosing the tube arrangement and an elongated end portion enclosing the
ballast circuit. The end portion of the outer envelope is closed and sealed by a sealing means of the same material as the material of the outer envelope. The sealing means is connected to the envelope in a hermetically sealing way. A method for manufacturing a
compact fluorescent lamp as described above is also disclosed. In the method, an outer envelope with an open end on the base side is provided. The open end of the envelope is closed and sealed with a sealing means to provide a
hermetic seal. The envelope is separated by
cutting along a circumferential line into an upper part and a lower part. The
ballast circuit is introduced into the lower part and respective connection points of the ballast circuit are connected to power supply lead-out wires. The discharge tube arrangement is connected to respective connection points of the ballast circuit by lead-in wires. The lead-in wires and the lead-out wires are short and need not be insulated. The ballast circuit and the discharge tube arrangement are held and supported in the outer envelope by the connecting wires and fixing means.