A converter for avoiding a short-circuit fault of the converter while inhibiting a surge impact includes: a power factor correction (PFC) circuit, a surge protection circuit, and a switch circuit. The PFC circuit is configured to: convert a first component of a first alternating current received by an alternating current terminal of the PFC circuit into a first direct current, and output the first direct current through a direct current terminal of the PFC circuit; and convert a second direct current received by the direct current terminal of the PFC circuit into a second alternating current, and output the second alternating current through the alternating current terminal of the PFC circuit.