An over-current protection circuit, including a current input for receiving a input current and a current output electrically connectable to a load, for outputting an output current proportional to the input current. A switch connects the current input to the current output. The switch has at least two switch states including an open state in which a current flow from the current input to the current output is interrupted and a closed state in which the current flow is enabled. The switch includes a switch control input for controlling the switch state. The circuit has a sensor for sensing a load current applied to the load and a controller connected to the sensor for controlling the switch to be in the open state when the sensed load current has exceeded a current threshold during a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period of time being dependent on an amount with which said sensed load current exceeds the threshold.