Cummins QuietConnect RS13A 13kW vs Kohler 12RESV 12kW
The Cummins QuietConnect RS13A 13kW is the more powerful unit: 13,000 running watts against 12,000 — about 8% more capacity for the Cummins QuietConnect RS13A 13kW. The Cummins QuietConnect RS13A 13kW is the quieter of the two (65 dBA vs 69 dBA — though manufacturers measure noise at different loads and distances).
| Cummins QuietConnect RS13A 13kW | Kohler 12RESV 12kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | — | $4,283 |
| Type | home-standby | home-standby |
| Fuel | natural-gas, propane | natural-gas, propane |
| Running watts (gas / LP for standby) | 13000 W | 12000 W |
| Running watts (propane) | 13000 W | 12000 W |
| Running watts (natural gas) | 13000 W | 11000 W |
| Noise level | 65 dBA | 69 dBA |
| Output voltage | 120/240V | 120/240V |
| Automatic transfer switch included | No | No |
| Main-line circuit breaker | 100 A | 60 A |
| Start type | automatic | automatic |
| Engine | Cummins QSJ999G | Kohler KT725 |
| Engine displacement | 999 cc | 725 cc |
| NG use at half load | 154 ft³/h | 128 ft³/h |
| Propane use at half load | 1.4 gal/h | — |
| Weight | 479 lb | 433 lb |
| Warranty | 5 yr | 5 yr |
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful, the Cummins QuietConnect RS13A 13kW or the Kohler 12RESV 12kW?
The Cummins QuietConnect RS13A 13kW, at 13,000 running watts on its best fuel versus 12,000 W. Remember that dual-fuel and natural-gas ratings are lower than gasoline ratings — the comparison table shows the published per-fuel figures.
Which costs less to run, the Cummins QuietConnect RS13A 13kW or the Kohler 12RESV 12kW?
Estimated fuel for 24 hours at about 50% load: $55 on natural gas for the Cummins QuietConnect RS13A 13kW vs $46 on natural gas for the Kohler 12RESV 12kW, at national average prices. These are spec-sheet-derived estimates — the assumptions are on the methodology page, and different fuels make this a cost comparison, not an efficiency ranking.
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.