A load switching circuit includes a supply power availability (SPA) detector, a rail voltage detector, a swell detector, a surge detector, control logic, make and break timers, and a relay driver. The detectors detect various conditions, and generate signals in response to some detected conditions. The control logic is configured to: (1) release a relay within 300 ms after receiving a power-up signal; (2) start the make timer upon receiving a rail voltage present signal and wait for a first delay time, then operate the relay; (3) start the break timer upon receiving a swell detected signal to wait for a second delay time, then release the relay; (4) cause a shunt switch to conduct within 10 ms after receiving a surge detected signal; and (5) release the relay within 10 ms after receiving a rail fail signal.