A system and method for controlling the main field current in an electrical generator is disclosed. The system can include a controller to sense the voltages and currents in the system to identify load faults. The system can also comprise one or more switches and an energy dissipator to absorb, store, or dissipate the main field current in the event of a load fault, such as a short circuit. In the event of a load fault, the controller can change the position of the one or more switches to redirect the main field current from the main field windings of the rotor to the energy dissipator. The energy dissipator can absorb or store the main field current significantly reducing the time required to stop the output current of the generator.