In some embodiments, a system includes multiple coils of a multi-phase machine in which the coils are each associated with a different phase. Associated with each coil is a protective element such that each protective element is associated with a different coil. When its associated protective element is in a first configuration, a coil is part of an electrical circuit, and its associated protective element allows a first amount of current to flow through the coil. Its associated protective element allows a second amount of current to flow through the coil when its associated protective element is in a second configuration. When in the second configuration, the coil's associated protective element does not obstruct current flow through other coils that are not associated with the protective element.