A DC-to-DC converter includes a transformer including a primary transformer coil connected to a power input terminal; a secondary transformer coil connected to a power output terminal; a switching circuit including a first sense circuit that detects a voltage condition of the transformer, the voltage received at the first sense circuit being used to regulate the duty cycle of the switch and to initiate a hiccup mode that dissipates power in the primary and/or secondary windings when the voltage condition detected at the first sense circuit indicates an overload of the transformer; a second sense circuit that detects an over-current condition at the switch and/or primary winding; and a further feedback path connected between the second sense circuit and the first sense circuit that provides a second signal to the first sense circuit to boost the first signal when an overload is detected, and to initiate the hiccup mode.