Smart solid state relay

An electrical system includes a solid state relay and an electrical connector that connects solid state relay to a load. The solid state relay includes a power MOSFET (Q) for switching power to the load. A PNP transistor (Q) monitors the voltage drop across the power MOSFET (Q), and shuts the power MOSFET off when the voltage drop exceeds a reference level. The solid state relay circuitry floats when the power MOSFET is commanded OFF so there is no leakage to ground. The relay can be used with an electrical connector that includes a short pin or shunt that is disconnected before male and female terminals are unmated. Disconnection of the shunt or the short pin causes the power MOSFET to be commanded OFF so that there is no current flowing through the male and female terminals when they reach an arc susceptible position. The solid state relay and the connector are suitable for use in a 42 Volt automotive electrical system.