Whole-house standby
Cummins
The short version
QuietConnect is the quietest name in the class at 65 dB and carries a diesel giant's engineering, but covered labor stops at year two and residential dealers are scarcer.
Machine price only. The installed project, with the pad, gas line, transfer switch, permits, and two trades, typically runs $12,000 to $18,000. See the real-cost guide.
We earn nothing from this link. Prices are public ranges as of 2026 and change often, confirm current pricing on the brand's site.
A standby install runs $12-18K all in
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Line-up & pricing
| QuietConnect RS13A | ~$4,286 | 13kW entry, 65 dB class |
| QuietConnect RS20A | ~$5,747 | 20kW flagship air-cooled, runs a 5-ton AC; RS20AC adds a 200A SE-rated ATS |
RS13A about $4,286 and RS20A about $5,747, machine-only; the RS20AC package with a 200A ATS costs more. Installed projects typically run $12,000-$18,000 like every whole-house standby. Re-verify current pricing.
Getting the power into the house
RS13A and RS20A ship generator-only; the RS20AC package bundles a 200A service-entrance-rated ATS.
Service reality: Deep commercial service organization behind it, but dedicated residential QuietConnect dealers are thinner on the ground than Generac's or Kohler's; check coverage in your zip code first.
Best for
The buyer who prizes quiet operation and commercial-grade engineering and has a Cummins residential dealer within range.
Not for
Anyone who expects five years of covered labor like Kohler gives, or whose all-electric house needs more than 20kW air-cooled.
What it does well
- +65 dB or lower operation, quietest of the big standby names
- +Parts covered a full five years, with extensions to 10 available
- +Cummins engine pedigree from trucks to data centers
Where it falls short
Sourced, not our opinion. This is the part the brand's own page leaves off.
The 5-year warranty covers parts for five years but labor and travel only the first two; Kohler covers all three for five years and Briggs for seven, so a year-three failure costs you the service call.
Source: Cummins warranty statement; Norwall warranty terms breakdown
QuietConnect air-cooled models run 13-20kW; a large all-electric house pushes you into the liquid-cooled RS25/RS30 tier, which prices like light-commercial gear.
Source: Cummins QuietConnect product pages
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cummins generator cost?
RS13A about $4,286 and RS20A about $5,747, machine-only; the RS20AC package with a 200A ATS costs more. Installed projects typically run $12,000-$18,000 like every whole-house standby. Re-verify current pricing.
What fuel does a Cummins generator run on?
Natural gas or propane
Does a Cummins generator need a transfer switch?
RS13A and RS20A ship generator-only; the RS20AC package bundles a 200A service-entrance-rated ATS.
What is Cummins's warranty?
5 years or 2,000 hours (standby): parts covered all five years, labor and travel only the first two. Paid extensions to 10 years exist.
Who is Cummins best for?
The buyer who prizes quiet operation and commercial-grade engineering and has a Cummins residential dealer within range.
Who should skip Cummins?
Anyone who expects five years of covered labor like Kohler gives, or whose all-electric house needs more than 20kW air-cooled.
Sources
Before you commit, size your real loads and read the safety page.