A signal source generates a reference voltage, and a voltage regulator receives the reference voltage and generates an output voltage and current. During normal operation, a pass element in the voltage regulator generates the output voltage, and a sense element generates a sense voltage. A first voltage detector detects a short-circuit condition using the sense voltage. A second voltage detector deactivates the pass element in response to the detection of the short-circuit condition. The second voltage detector also detects removal of the short-circuit condition and automatically reactivates the pass element. The first voltage detector may detect the short-circuit condition by detecting a drop in the sense voltage. The second voltage detector may detect the removal of the short-circuit condition by applying a test current to a load. Both the first and second voltage sensors may not consume any direct current power during normal operation of the voltage regulator.