Abstract: An automatic AC protection circuit protects a radio receiver from RF overload by shortcircuiting the overload power to ground. The circuit includes a transistor having its collector coupled to the RF input and its emitter coupled to ground and the base coupled through an inductive impedance to ground. The value of inductive impedance in parallel with the base to emitter impedance of the transistor determines the RF input level at which the transistor turns on and clamps the RF to ground to protect a receiver from overload.