Method for setting an electronic ballast, with which an electric lamp is operated which comprises programming first settings of at least one operational parameter of at least one first lamp type into the electronic ballast, setting and operating an electric lamp, which is connected to the electronic ballast, with the programmed first settings as long as a normal operating mode of the electronic ballast is set, changing the first settings of the operational parameters during a secondary operating mode of the electronic ballast, the secondary operating mode of the electronic ballast being set when the electronic ballast identifies a value for the resistance of a lamp filament and/or a substitute load of the electric lamp connected to the electronic ballast which is untypical in comparison with the normal operating mode, the change to the first settings being carried out depending on the identified untypical value for the corresponding resistance.