A power conversion apparatus includes a first switching device at a high side and a second switching device at a low side. The first switching device and the second switching device are connected in series. The power conversion apparatus further includes a third switching device connected in series with the first switching device or the second switching device. Upon detection of an overcurrent flowing through one of the first switching device and the second switching device due to a short-circuit failure of another of the first switching device and the second switching device, the power conversion apparatus turns off the one of the first switching device and the second switching device, and turns off the third switching device.