Head to head
Generac Guardian 18kW vs Cummins QuietConnect RS17A
Generac · Home Standby Generator
Generac Guardian 18kW
~$5,279
18,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Cummins · Home Standby Generator
Cummins QuietConnect RS17A
~$5,327
17,000 W · up to well pump or a small central AC
Quick takeThe Generac Guardian 18kW lists about $48 lower; the Generac Guardian 18kW puts out more sustained power (18,000 W).
| Spec | Generac Guardian 18kW | Cummins QuietConnect RS17A |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$5,279 | ~$5,327 |
| Type | Home Standby Generator | Home Standby Generator |
| Fuel | NG/LP | NG/LP |
| Running / output watts | 18,000 W | 17,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 18,000 W | 17,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 65 dB | 65 dB |
| Runtime | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 18kW on LP, 17kW on 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 | 420 lbs | 531 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year limited | 5-year / 2,000-hour limited |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Generac Guardian 18kW
- +Only ~$400 more than the 14kW for 4kW more capacity
- +Handles central AC plus essentials without load juggling in most homes
- +65 dB under load is reasonable for the output
- +200-hour oil change interval keeps maintenance light
- +Massive installer availability means competitive install quotes
- −Transfer switch, battery, and cold-weather kit are all extra
- −17kW NG rating (small derate) — size off NG if that's your fuel
- −Warranty claims move at dealer speed, not yours
- −Aluminum enclosure dents more easily than competitors' thicker shells
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