Head to head
Cummins QuietConnect RS17A vs Cummins QuietConnect RS20A
Cummins · Home Standby Generator
Cummins QuietConnect RS17A
~$5,327
17,000 W · up to well pump or a small central AC
Cummins · Home Standby Generator
Cummins QuietConnect RS20A
~$5,926
20,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Quick takeThe Cummins QuietConnect RS17A lists about $599 lower; the Cummins QuietConnect RS20A puts out more sustained power (20,000 W).
| Spec | Cummins QuietConnect RS17A | Cummins QuietConnect RS20A |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$5,327 | ~$5,926 |
| Type | Home Standby Generator | Home Standby Generator |
| Fuel | NG/LP | NG/LP |
| Running / output watts | 17,000 W | 20,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 17,000 W | 20,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 65 dB | 65 dB |
| Runtime | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 17kW on both fuels (single fuel, field-selectable) | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 20kW on LP, 18kW on NG |
| Outlets | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (sold separately) | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (RS20AC bundle adds 200A SE switch) |
| Fuel tank | — | — |
| Weight | 531 lbs | 540 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year / 2,000-hour limited | 5-year/2,000-hour limited |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Cummins QuietConnect RS17A
- +Full 17kW on natural gas with no derate against propane
- +Rated to start a 5-ton AC under full pre-load
- +Built-in load management controls up to four loads
- +Allowed 18 inches from a building under NFPA 37
- +Crank-only exercise mode reduces wear and weekly noise
- +Remote monitoring is built in at no extra cost
- −Single fuel at a time, not a dual-fuel changeover unit
- −Transfer switch not included
- −531 lbs and a fairly large 34 x 36 in footprint
- −Smaller dealer network than Generac
Cummins QuietConnect RS20A
- +Best-in-class 65 dB noise at full 20kW output
- +Integrated load management controls four loads without extra modules
- +Starts a 5-ton AC while carrying the house
- +Cold-weather ready to 0°F with no added kit
- +Cummins commercial engineering and 5-year/2,000-hour warranty
- −Thin dealer network — warranty service can mean long waits
- −Often pre-order/backordered at major retailers
- −18kW natural gas derate
- −App monitoring trails Generac's polish
- −Extended-warranty and accessory pricing runs high