A power conversion system includes a first switch configured to be connected between a first phase of a polyphase alternating current (AC) power source and an electrical load and a first diode configured to be connected between the first phase of the polyphase AC power source and the electrical load, the diode configured to conduct a current from the AC power source to the electrical load. The power conversion system also includes a control unit configured to interface with the first switch to close, responsive to the occurrence of a short circuit fault, the first switch during a negative current portion of the AC cycle of the first phase of the polyphase AC power source and open, responsive to the occurrence of the short circuit fault, the first switch during a positive current portion of the AC cycle of the first phase of the polyphase AC power source.