Operating device for light-emitting means having different operating parameters, in particular electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps, containing: - connection means for connecting the operation device to at least one external voltage source (grid), - energy conversion means (1-4, 6, 8) for converting the energy provided by the external voltage source (grid) into a form which is suitable for supplying to the light-emitting means by the operating device by matching of the operating parameters, and - means for connecting the light-emitting means to the operating device, characterized by - configuration means for selecting one of a plurality of possible identifications for the desired operating parameter(s) of the light-emitting means to be operated by the operating device and for transmitting the identification to the operating device preferably by a person authorized to configure the operation device, wherein the configuration means have selectable grid connection terminals and/or selectable lamp connection terminals, - evaluation means for evaluating the identification by comparison thereof with the values in a table stored in the operating device, and - control means (5, 8, 6) for influencing the energy conversion means such that said energy conversion means set the required operating parameter(s) for the light-emitting means to be operated by the operating device corresponding to the evaluation result, wherein the configuration means are implemented by a plurality of connection terminals (L1, L2, N), which are decoupled from one another for at least two poles of the external electrical voltage source (grid), and wherein the valuation means are implemented by voltage detectors, which are each coupled to the at least two poles of the external electrical voltage source (grid). - connection means for connecting the operation device to at least one external voltage source (grid), - energy conversion means (1-4, 6, 8) for converting the energy provided by the external voltage source (grid) into a form which is suitable for supplying to the light-emitting means by the operating device by matching of the operating parameters, and - means for connecting the light-emitting means to the operating device, characterized by - configuration means for selecting one of a plurality of possible identifications for the desired operating parameter(s) of the light-emitting means to be operated by the operating device and for transmitting the identification to the operating device preferably by a person authorized to configure the operation device, wherein the configuration means have selectable grid connection terminals and/or selectable lamp connection terminals, - evaluation means for evaluating the identification by comparison thereof with the values in a table stored in the operating device, and - control means (5, 8, 6) for influencing the energy conversion means such that said energy conversion means set the required operating parameter(s) for the light-emitting means to be operated by the operating device corresponding to the evaluation result, wherein the configuration means are implemented by a plurality of connection terminals (L1, L2, N), which are decoupled from one another for at least two poles of the external electrical voltage source (grid), and wherein the valuation means are implemented by voltage detectors, which are each coupled to the at least two poles of the external electrical voltage source (grid).