Generac Guardian 22kW with 200A ATS (7043) vs Kohler 20RCA 20kW
The Generac Guardian 22kW with 200A ATS (7043) is the more powerful unit: 22,000 running watts against 20,000 — about 9% more capacity for the Generac Guardian 22kW with 200A ATS (7043). The Generac Guardian 22kW with 200A ATS (7043) is the quieter of the two (67 dBA vs 69 dBA — though manufacturers measure noise at different loads and distances).
| Generac Guardian 22kW with 200A ATS (7043) | Kohler 20RCA 20kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | — | $5,813 |
| Type | home-standby | home-standby |
| Fuel | natural-gas, propane | natural-gas, propane |
| Running watts (gas / LP for standby) | 22000 W | 20000 W |
| Running watts (propane) | 22000 W | 20000 W |
| Running watts (natural gas) | 19500 W | 18000 W |
| Noise level | 67 dBA | 69 dBA |
| Output voltage | 120/240V | 120/240V |
| Automatic transfer switch included | Yes | No |
| Main-line circuit breaker | 100 A | — |
| Start type | automatic | automatic |
| Engine | Generac G-Force 1000 | Kohler CH1000 |
| Engine displacement | 999 cc | 999 cc |
| NG use at half load | 228 ft³/h | 161 ft³/h |
| Propane use at half load | 2.53 gal/h | 2.25 gal/h |
| Weight | 466 lb | 555 lb |
| Warranty | 5 yr | 5 yr |
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful, the Generac Guardian 22kW with 200A ATS (7043) or the Kohler 20RCA 20kW?
The Generac Guardian 22kW with 200A ATS (7043), at 22,000 running watts on its best fuel versus 20,000 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 Generac Guardian 22kW with 200A ATS (7043) or the Kohler 20RCA 20kW?
Estimated fuel for 24 hours at about 50% load: $82 on natural gas for the Generac Guardian 22kW with 200A ATS (7043) vs $58 on natural gas for the Kohler 20RCA 20kW, 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.