Kohler 14RCAL 14kW with ATS vs Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS
The Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS is the more powerful unit: 20,000 running watts against 14,000 — about 30% more capacity for the Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS. The Kohler 14RCAL 14kW with ATS is the quieter of the two (67 dBA vs 69 dBA — though manufacturers measure noise at different loads and distances).
| Kohler 14RCAL 14kW with ATS | Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | home-standby | home-standby |
| Fuel | natural-gas, propane | natural-gas, propane |
| Running watts (gas / LP for standby) | 14000 W | 20000 W |
| Running watts (propane) | 14000 W | 20000 W |
| Running watts (natural gas) | 12000 W | 18000 W |
| Noise level | 67 dBA | 69 dBA |
| Output voltage | 120/240V | 120/240V |
| Automatic transfer switch included | Yes | Yes |
| Start type | automatic | automatic |
| Engine | Kohler CH740 | Kohler CH1000 |
| Engine displacement | 725 cc | 999 cc |
| NG use at half load | 124 ft³/h | 161 ft³/h |
| Propane use at half load | 1.65 gal/h | 2.25 gal/h |
| Weight | 440 lb | 555 lb |
| Warranty | 5 yr | 5 yr |
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful, the Kohler 14RCAL 14kW with ATS or the Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS?
The Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS, 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.
Which costs less to run, the Kohler 14RCAL 14kW with ATS or the Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS?
Estimated fuel for 24 hours at about 50% load: $44 on natural gas for the Kohler 14RCAL 14kW with ATS vs $58 on natural gas for the Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS, 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.