a permanent magnet (PM) machine including a first phase winding, a second phase winding, and a third phase winding and a permanent magnet configured to rotate relative to the first, second, and third phase windings, wherein the first phase winding has a first main leg and a first return leg extending from the first phase winding, wherein the second phase winding has a second main leg and a second return leg extending from the second phase winding, and wherein the third phase winding has a third main phase leg and a third return leg extending from the third phase winding; and

a return switch unit operatively connected to the return legs of the first, second, and third phase windings, wherein the return switch unit includes a switch configured to (i) connect the return legs of the first, second, and third phase windings to a neutral node in the return switch unit in a normal state and (ii) disconnect the return legs of the first, second, and third phase windings from the neutral node in a fault protection state;

wherein the neutral node is a floating or grounded neutral node that is connected only to the return legs of the first, second, and third phase windings via the switch.