The disclosed circuit limits the rate of change of voltage across two series-connected, alternately-conducting switching components. Capacitors are connected across each of two seriesconnected switching components, e.g., thyristors, to limit the rate of change in voltage across each switching component. When both switches are non-conducting, the capacitor which is connected across the last conducting switch is charged at a rate which is less than the critical rate of change of forward offstate voltage for that switch. This prevents the rate of change of voltage across that switch from turning on that switch prematurely. In addition, the capacitor which is connected across the next conducting switch is discharged to establish a relatively low voltage thereacross. This prevents that capacitor from establishing a current which would damage the next conducting switch upon the turn on thereof.