Head to head
Cummins QuietConnect RS13A vs Cummins QuietConnect RS17A
Cummins · Home Standby Generator
Cummins QuietConnect RS13A
~$3,899
13,000 W · up to well pump or a small central AC
Cummins · Home Standby Generator
Cummins QuietConnect RS17A
~$5,327
17,000 W · up to well pump or a small central AC
Quick takeThe Cummins QuietConnect RS13A lists about $1,428 lower; the Cummins QuietConnect RS17A puts out more sustained power (17,000 W).
| Spec | Cummins QuietConnect RS13A | Cummins QuietConnect RS17A |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$3,899 | ~$5,327 |
| Type | Home Standby Generator | Home Standby Generator |
| Fuel | NG/LP | NG/LP |
| Running / output watts | 13,000 W | 17,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 13,000 W | 17,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 65 dB | 65 dB |
| Runtime | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 13kW on LP or NG | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 17kW on both fuels (single fuel, field-selectable) |
| Outlets | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (sold separately) | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (sold separately) |
| Fuel tank | — | — |
| Weight | 479 lbs | 531 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 RS13A
- +Cheapest name-brand path to whole-essentials standby power
- +65 dB at 23 feet from a sound-insulated enclosure
- +Full 13kW on natural gas — no derate
- +18-inch code clearance suits narrow side yards
- +Purpose-built Cummins gaseous engine, not an adapted gas motor
- +Aluminum-over-galvanized enclosure resists corrosion
- −Residential dealer network is thin — check service coverage first
- −Basic mobile app compared to Generac's Mobile Link
- −Fewer third-party techs know the platform
- −Frequently on backorder or factory-order wait times
- −13kW ceiling means no whole-house AC coverage for bigger homes
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