An embodiment method for short-circuit detection includes determining a set of local reference voltages each associated with a respective load chain in a plurality of load chains, and determining a global reference voltage in accordance with the set of local reference voltages. The method also includes determining, for each load chain in the plurality of load chains, a respective per-chain reference voltage in accordance with the global reference voltage, and comparing, for each load chain in the plurality of load chains, the respective per-chain reference voltage relative to a respective measured voltage across each load chain to determine a respective short-circuit condition.