Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect DX 20kW (040657) vs Kohler 14RCA 14kW

The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect DX 20kW (040657) is the more powerful unit: 20,000 running watts against 14,000 — about 30% more capacity for the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect DX 20kW (040657). The Kohler 14RCA 14kW is the quieter of the two (67 dBA vs 68 dBA — though manufacturers measure noise at different loads and distances). Warranty favors the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect DX 20kW (040657): 10 years vs 5.

Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect DX 20kW (040657) Kohler 14RCA 14kW
Price (MSRP) $4,997
Type home-standby home-standby
Fuel natural-gas, propane natural-gas, propane
Running watts (gas / LP for standby) 20000 W 14000 W
Running watts (propane) 20000 W 14000 W
Running watts (natural gas) 20000 W 12000 W
Noise level 68 dBA 67 dBA
Output voltage 120/240V 120/240V
Automatic transfer switch included No No
Main-line circuit breaker 100 A
Start type automatic automatic
Engine Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Kohler CH740
Engine displacement 993 cc 725 cc
NG use at half load 124 ft³/h
Propane use at half load 1.65 gal/h
Weight 520 lb 440 lb
Warranty 10 yr 5 yr

Frequently asked questions

Which is more powerful, the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect DX 20kW (040657) or the Kohler 14RCA 14kW?

The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect DX 20kW (040657), at 20,000 running watts on its best fuel versus 14,000 W. Remember that dual-fuel and natural-gas ratings are lower than gasoline ratings — the comparison table shows the published per-fuel figures.

Where do these specifications come from?

Every record on BackupAtlas is hand-curated from manufacturer documentation and spec sheets, and each generator page links to its source document.