This paper presents a characteristic comparison among reduced semiconductor equivalents of dual back-to-back converter. Being widely reported, the nine-switch and ten-switch based converters are considered for the comparative analysis. Conduction losses of both these converters are compared to identify the merits and drawbacks as they are used in dc-ac, ac-dc, dc-dc or ac-ac energy conversion systems. Although nine and ten switch converters have been reported to experience higher dc-link voltage leading to additional losses, this is not the case in general and therefore requires a comprehensive study to evaluate the real standing of each. An analytical model is employed to evaluate the losses in each switch for different operational modes Simulation results are included to verify the analytical evaluation.