Cummins Generators
The third serious home-standby name, backed by Cummins’ industrial engine heritage.
Cummins at a glance
| Segment | Home standby |
|---|---|
| Power range | 13–20 kW QuietConnect home standby |
| Fuel | Natural gas or propane (home standby); diesel (industrial); Onan (RV) |
| Transfer switch | Pairs with Cummins automatic transfer switches |
| Warranty | 5-year limited (many home standby models) |
| Running noise | QuietConnect series tuned for lower running noise |
Notable Cummins models
- RS20AC (20 kW)
- RS13A (13 kW)
- Onan (RV)
How Cummins compares
Where Cummins sits against the other major US generator brands:
| Brand | Best for | Power range | Fuel | Transfer switch | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cummins | Standby with industrial engine heritage | 13–20 kW QuietConnect home standby | Natural gas or propane (home standby); diesel (industrial); Onan (RV) | Pairs with Cummins automatic transfer switches | 5-year limited (many home standby models) |
| Generac | Whole-house standby (market leader) | 7.5–26 kW standby · 3,000–8,000 W portable | Natural gas or liquid propane (standby); gas & dual-fuel (portable) | Air-cooled standby pairs with a Generac automatic transfer switch | 5-year limited (air-cooled standby) |
| Kohler | Premium whole-house standby | 10–26 kW home standby | Natural gas or liquid propane | Pairs with Kohler RXT/RDT automatic transfer switches | 5-year / 2,000-hour limited (many home models) |
| Champion | Value portable & dual-fuel | 1,200–12,500 W portable · 8.5–14 kW standby | Gas, dual-fuel (gas/propane) and tri-fuel across the portable line | Portables pair with a manual transfer switch; standby line included | 3-year limited (many portables) |
| Westinghouse | Portable & dual-fuel home backup | 2,200–12,500 W portable & inverter | Gas and dual-fuel (gas/propane) across most models | Portables pair with a manual transfer switch | 3-year limited (many models) |
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Cummins home standby generator?
A Cummins QuietConnect home standby unit typically costs about $3,500–$6,000 for a 13–20 kW model, plus roughly $3,000–$5,000 to install, for an installed total around $7,000–$11,000. Cummins is best known for engines, and its home standby line (the RS series) competes directly with Generac and Kohler. Get local quotes for your kW and site.
What is the difference between Cummins home and Onan generators?
Onan is Cummins’ RV and marine generator brand — compact units built into motorhomes and boats. Cummins home standby generators (the RS series, like the RS20AC) are the whole-house units that sit outside your home and run on natural gas or propane. If you searched “Cummins generator” for home backup, you want the RS home standby line, not Onan.
Next steps
- Not sure what size you need? Use the generator sizing calculator.
- Compare the field: best whole house generators · best portable generators.
- Other brands: Generac, Kohler, Champion, Westinghouse.
gennyguide is independent and not affiliated with Cummins. Specs and pricing change — confirm current model details with the manufacturer or retailer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.