Passive element-thyristor parallel connection for mitigating inrush current in static transfer switch

A method of operating a static transfer switch, the method comprising:

• coupling a first switch between a first voltage source and a load;
• coupling a second switch between a second voltage source and the load, wherein the first switch and the second switch are configured to alternate power to the load between the first voltage source or the second voltage source;
• coupling a first parallel circuit branch in parallel to the first switch, the first parallel circuit branch including a first passive element and a first auxiliary switch;
• closing the first auxiliary switch to conduct current from the first voltage source through the first parallel circuit branch until the first voltage source is ON;
• and
• when the first voltage source is ON, closing the first switch to conduct current through the first switch to power the load using the first voltage source.