Abstract: A linear pre-regulator for cascading with a switching regulator for providing a load current for a circuit or personnel protection device includes a transistor for providing a series variable resistance when a load current changes. The series variable resistance includes a control node, and a control part maintains a substantially fixed voltage at the control node when the current drawn by the switching regulator changes. A storage part may be included to provide a voltage at a drain of a transistor forming the series variable resistance during an OFF-to-ON transition of the transistor.