Circuit breakers and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, a circuit breaker includes an input node configured to receive an AC waveform of electrical energy, an output node configured to output the AC waveform, mechanical breaker circuitry configured to selectively operate in a conductive state to conduct the AC waveform from the input node to the output node, switching circuitry configured to selectively operate in a conductive state to conduct the AC waveform from the input node to the output node, energy absorption circuitry coupled with the input node and the output node, wherein the mechanical breaker circuitry and the switching circuitry are changed from the conductive state to a non-conductive state after detection of a fault, and wherein the energy absorption circuitry is configured to dissipate electrical energy of the fault after the mechanical breaker circuitry and the switching circuitry are changed to the non-conductive state.