A power converter includes a transformer, a full-bridge rectifying circuit which is located on the secondary side of the transformer and has at least a pair of self-arc-suppressing elements which are driven while being inverted, connection means which connects the negative-pole-side connection line on the primary side of the transformer to that on the secondary side of the transformer, and a control circuit which is commonly used to drive circuits on the primary and secondary sides of the transformer. The self-arc-suppressing elements are driven by the control circuit.