A high power factor rectifier circuit, provided with switching sections connected to an AC power supply for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage, is formed with a bypass circuit provided. The bypass circuit, when the voltage of the AC power supply becomes higher than the voltage across a smoothing capacitor provided on the DC output side, makes a charge current flowing from the AC power supply to the capacitor bypass the switching section by making the switching section out of conduction. Thus, a rectifier circuit is provided which can be safely operated without causing any damage, or with minimized damage, even though an inrush current flows at turning-on the power or at recovery from a power interruption.