A compact self-ballasted fluorescent lamp includes a double-spiral arc
tube formed by winding a glass tube to its both ends around a spiral
axis, and sealing electrodes each having a filament coil at the ends of
the glass tube, and a holding member that has a closed bottom and holds
the arc tube. The holding member has, at its end wall, insertion openings
through which the ends of the glass tube are inserted. The ends of the
glass tube are inserted to such positions that enable the filament coils
to be positioned within the holding member, and the minimum distance L,
in the insertion direction of the ends of the glass tube, between the
filament coil and the edge of the insertion opening of the holding member
is 6 mm.