Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW
#6 in Under 15 kWFull review
For homes on natural gas that want essentials covered by a quiet, well supported brand with monitoring included.
Norwall $5,384.39$5,384.39
The Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW is the better standby generator overall, rated 3.2 to 3.0. The Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW leads on noise. The Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW costs $514.61 less ($5,384.39 vs $5,899).
Kohler 14RCAL 14kW
#8 in Under 15 kWFull review
For homes that want essentials plus one air conditioner managed automatically, with a full parts and labor warranty.
Norwall $5,899$5,899
Prices were last checked November 1, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW for noise (65 dBA rated in normal operation vs 69 dBA rated in normal operation).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 15 kw standby generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW | Kohler 14RCAL 14kW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 35% | 27 $414 per kW ($5,384 with transfer switch, 13 kW on propane) | 25 $421 per kW ($5,899 with transfer switch, 14 kW on propane) |
| Transfer switch 15% | 100 includes a 200 A transfer switch | 100 includes a 200 A transfer switch |
| Noise 15% | 58 65 dBA rated in normal operation | 25 69 dBA rated in normal operation |
| Power quality 10% | 83 under 5% THD | 83 under 5% THD |
| Warranty 25% | 29 5-year warranty | 29 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW | Kohler 14RCAL 14kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Rated output, propane | 13 kW | 14 kW |
| Rated output, natural gas | 13 kW | 12 kW |
| THD | Under 5% | Under 5% |
| Engine | 999 cc | 725 cc |
| Engine speed | 3,600 rpm | 3,600 rpm |
| Install | ||
| Transfer switch | Included, 200 A | Included, 200 A |
| Load management | No | Yes |
| Remote monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosure | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 34.1 x 36.0 x 27.3 in | 47 x 26.0 x 32.3 in |
| Weight | 479 lb | 490 lb |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise, normal operation | 65 dBA | 69 dBA |
| Noise, weekly self-test | - | 63 dBA |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |