OffGrid Compare

Cummins Generators

3 models from $8,000 to $16,000 installed

Last updated: March 2026

Cummins is the brand your installer probably respects the most. They've been building engines and power systems since 1919. Their residential QuietConnect line is the smallest lineup of the big five, but what they offer is hard to argue with: 65 dB across every model, built-in load management, and a clean recall record. If noise is your top concern, the conversation starts and ends here.

The Company

Founded 1919, Columbus, Indiana. Public (NYSE: CMI), $33.7 billion revenue. Acquired Onan (founded 1925) in the 1980s. QuietConnect is their residential line.

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Which Cummins Is Right for You?

Cummins RS13A

RS13A

13kW LP / 13kW NG65 dB

$8,000–$12,000 installed

1,500–2,000 sq ft where noise and compact size matter. Smallest footprint available.

Cummins RS17A

RS17A

17kW LP / 17kW NG65 dB

$10,000–$14,000 installed

2,000–2,500 sq ft with 3-ton AC. Fills the gap between 14kW and 20kW that other brands skip.

Cummins RS20A

RS20A

20kW LP / 18kW NG65 dB

$11,000–$16,000 installed

2,500–3,000 sq ft where noise matters. Quietest 20kW available. Built-in load management.

Warranty

5-year / 2,000-hour limited (2 years labor + travel, 5 years parts). Extended available up to 10 years through dealers. Clean recall record: no recalls found for any QuietConnect model.

Monitoring

Cloud Connect included at no cost. Unique feature: remote start/stop from the app. Frequent 'status unavailable' cloud outages reported.

Pros & Cons

The Cummins case

  • ✓Quietest generators on the market: 65 dB across the entire lineup.
  • ✓Commercial-grade heritage; same engineering that builds hospital and data center power.
  • ✓Built-in load management for 4 appliances: no add-on needed.
  • ✓Smallest footprint of any residential standby (34.1" × 36" × 27.3").
  • ✓Cold weather: extreme models rated to -40°F.
  • ✓Clean recall record: zero home standby recalls.

The limitations

  • ✗Limited residential dealer network: some regions lack nearby service.
  • ✗Only 3 sizes, max 20kW air-cooled. Need 22kW+? Look elsewhere.
  • ✗Service call costs: $1,200 prepayment reported at some dealers.
  • ✗Cloud Connect reliability issues: frequent cloud outages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cummins generators good for homes?▾
Yes. The QuietConnect series is purpose-built for residential use by a company with 100+ years in power generation. Quietest option available, includes load management, compact footprint. Main limitation: only 3 sizes, maxing at 20kW.
How quiet is a Cummins generator?▾
65 dB at 23 feet across every model, about as loud as two people talking. At your neighbor's property line (50–100 feet), it drops to 50–55 dB. Quietest brand in standby generators.
Cummins vs Generac: which is better?▾
Cummins wins on noise (65 vs 67 dB), compact size, built-in load management, and cold weather options. Generac wins on selection (7 sizes vs 3), dealer network (9,200+), and availability above 20kW. If you need 22kW+ or the biggest support network, Generac. If noise matters and 20kW is enough, Cummins.

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Sources & Citations

Claim / StatisticSource
Cummins QuietConnect specificationscummins.com(accessed 2025-03)
PissedConsumer generator brand reviewspissedconsumer.com(accessed 2025-03)
ConsumerAffairs generator reviewsconsumeraffairs.com(accessed 2025-03)
U.S. Energy Information Administration (fuel costs)eia.gov(accessed 2025-03)

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