The disclosure relates to a control device for controlling a load, wherein the control device comprises the following elements: a first current control valve between a first port of the load and a first potential of an operating voltage; a second current control valve between a second port of the load and a second potential of the operating voltage; a processor configured to actuate the second current control valve when the first current control valve is closed, in order to control a current through the load; and a sampling device for determining an input voltage through the first current control valve, wherein the processor is configured to determine the presence of a short circuit between the first port and the first potential if the input voltage does not increase when the first current control valve is opened gradually.