Two switching signal patterns are proposed to prevent short circuit of PWM ac choppers. The voltage detection method and the current detection method are proposed to execute two switching signal patterns. In the voltage detection method, the dead-time has to be inserted to the switching signals after polarity of input voltage is checked by voltage transducer at input side. In the current detection method, the direction of load current is checked by current transducer at output side, and the dead-time delay is not considered. Controlling circuit built by current detection method is simple because the dead-time delay is considered. The experimental results are presented to prevent short circuit of ac chopper safely