Abstract: A load dump protection circuit includes a switch, a clamp circuit and a comparator. The clamp circuit is coupled between a power supply line and a first output terminal of the switch. A second output terminal of the switch is coupled to a common return. An output of the comparator is coupled to a control terminal of the switch. A first input of the comparator monitors a magnitude of a trigger signal on the power supply line. The switch provides a low impedance path between the first and second output terminals, when a magnitude of the trigger signal increases above a magnitude of a reference signal on a second input of the comparator. The switch provides a high impedance path between the first and second output terminals, when the magnitude of the trigger signal decreases below a shut-off level that is less than the reference signal.