An illuminating device is provided with a cold cathode fluorescent tube (discharge tube) (20), an inverter circuit (T) that is connected to the cold cathode fluorescent tube (20) and drives the cold cathode fluorescent tube (20) to be turned on, a chassis (12) made from metal for accommodating the cold cathode fluorescent tube (20), an inverter circuit board (24) on which the inverter circuit (T) is mounted and in which a ground wire (G) is provided, and a connector (21) for electrically connecting the cold cathode fluorescent tube (20) and the inverter circuit (T). The connector (21) is provided with a conductor (23) for electrically connecting the chassis (12) and the ground wire (G).