An ASD circuit includes an input, solid-state switch rectifier bridge, DC link, and DC link capacitor bank. A pre-charge circuit is coupled between the input and the DC link capacitor bank and includes pre-charge relays operable in an on state that allows the AC power input to power the rectifier bridge during a normal operating state and an off state that allows the AC power input to pre-charge the DC link capacitor bank through a pre-charge resistor of the pre-charge circuit during a pre-charge operating state. A protection relay of a protection circuit is coupled between the pre-charge relays and the DC link capacitor bank, the protection relay operable in an on state that prevents the pre-charge circuit from connecting to the DC link capacitor bank when a capacitor short circuit occurs and an off state that allows the pre-charge circuit to electrically connect to the DC link capacitor bank.