Abstract: A power converter is configured to include an inverter which converts a DC output into an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency, and a high voltage generator which receives an output from output terminals of the inverter and boosts the output to a desired high DC voltage. The high voltage generator includes a transformer, and the primary windings of the transformer are connected to the output terminals of the inverter in parallel by conductive wires connected to both ends of each primary winding. Further, a current sensor is provided to detect a current flowing through each of the primary windings, and a control unit determines abnormalities of a path of the inverter and the primary windings on the basis of a value of the current sensor.

Abstract: In order to prevent breakage of a power converter, a current which flows into an inverter (3) in the power converter is detected. The inverter (3) is equipped with two or more primary windings in parallel with each other. The current flowing through each of the primary windings is detected by current sensors (17, 6). A control unit (22) determines from the outputs of the current sensors that an abnormality occurs, when current does not flow through any of the primary windings.