Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS vs Kohler 26RCAL 26kW with ATS
The Kohler 26RCAL 26kW with ATS is the more powerful unit: 26,000 running watts against 20,000 — about 23% more capacity for the Kohler 26RCAL 26kW with ATS. The Kohler 26RCAL 26kW with ATS is the quieter of the two (67 dBA vs 69 dBA — though manufacturers measure noise at different loads and distances).
| Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS | Kohler 26RCAL 26kW with ATS | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | home-standby | home-standby |
| Fuel | natural-gas, propane | natural-gas, propane |
| Running watts (gas / LP for standby) | 20000 W | 26000 W |
| Running watts (propane) | 20000 W | 26000 W |
| Running watts (natural gas) | 18000 W | 24000 W |
| Noise level | 69 dBA | 67 dBA |
| Output voltage | 120/240V | 120/240V |
| Automatic transfer switch included | Yes | Yes |
| Start type | automatic | automatic |
| Engine | Kohler CH1000 | Kohler CH1006 |
| Engine displacement | 999 cc | 999 cc |
| NG use at half load | 161 ft³/h | 180 ft³/h |
| Propane use at half load | 2.25 gal/h | 2.34 gal/h |
| Weight | 555 lb | 625 lb |
| Warranty | 5 yr | 5 yr |
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful, the Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS or the Kohler 26RCAL 26kW with ATS?
The Kohler 26RCAL 26kW with ATS, at 26,000 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 Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS or the Kohler 26RCAL 26kW with ATS?
Estimated fuel for 24 hours at about 50% load: $58 on natural gas for the Kohler 20RCAL 20kW with ATS vs $65 on natural gas for the Kohler 26RCAL 26kW 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.