Generator outputs experience massive current rushes and high-energy inductive kicks when heavy building equipment or motors start up. Moulded case circuit breakers are built with specialised arc-chutes and heavy reinforcement to suppress these intense electrical arcs safely, preventing the switch body from shattering under high fault current loads.

An overload happens gradually when too many building appliances run simultaneously, drawing slightly more current than the system rating and heating the internal thermal element until it trips. A short circuit is an instantaneous event caused by a direct fault path between hot and neutral lines, triggering the magnetic coil to open the contacts immediately.

No, you must never install a larger capacity breaker without a thorough engineering review of your entire electrical layout. The circuit breaker is sized explicitly to protect the specific thickness of your distribution cabling and alternator windings. Increasing the rating can lead to cable overheating and equipment fires.