A refrigerant compressor includes an electric motor. A current sensor measures current flow to the electric motor. A switching device is configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the electric motor, respectively. A maximum continuous current (MCC) device includes a stored digital value corresponding to a maximum continuous current for the electric motor. A motor protection module: communicates with the MCC device, the current sensor, and the switching device; determines a first MCC for the electric motor as a function of the stored digital value received from the MCC device; selectively sets a predetermined MCC to the first MCC; and controls the switching device based on a comparison of the current flow to the electric motor and the predetermined MCC.