A multi-level power converter is disclosed. The converter includes a DC
power source having N (N is an Integer more than two)-level voltage
potentials, and a plurality of switching legs connected in parallel to
the DC power source. The switching leg has switching elements in series
connection, and clamp diodes connected between intermediate DC potential
terminals to middle points of the switching legs. The converter is
provided with a control means for supplying gate pulses to the switching
elements, and a supervising means for supervising every switching element
to output a failure signal. The converter further includes a logic
operating means for detecting an over-current failure of main circuit
elements to output a device fault signal using the failure signals An
operation of the logic operating means at least includes AND condition of
at least two failure signals to output the device fault signal.