Cummins 17kW Quiet Connect Home Standby Generator — C17N6H

The Cummins RS17A Quiet Connect is a 17 kW air-cooled home standby generator engineered to keep the lights, heat, and essentials on the moment the grid drops. Permanently connected to your natural gas or propane supply, the RS17A monitors utility power 24/7, starts within seconds of an outage, and runs until the power comes back — no gas cans, no extension cords, no panel of "essential" circuits.

Whole-Home or Essentials — Your Call

The RS17A ships as the generator only — pair it with a Cummins service-entrance ATS for true whole-home backup, or a smaller load-center ATS for an essentials-only setup. Either way, transfer happens automatically: the instant the ATS detects an outage, it isolates your home from the grid and feeds it from the generator. When utility power returns, it transfers back and shuts the generator down — all without you lifting a finger.

Strong Motor-Starting Capability

Industry-leading motor-starting performance means the RS17A fires up heavy 240V loads like central A/C, well pumps, and electric ranges without nuisance shutdowns. Voltage and frequency hold within 1.25% under steady-state load — clean, stable power that's safe for sensitive electronics, computers, and modern HVAC equipment.

Optional Intelligent Load Management

With the optional Cummins Load Management Kit (sold separately), the RS17A learns and remembers the draw of large 240V loads — letting a 17 kW genset comfortably run a home that would normally need a much larger unit. One kit handles two heavy loads; two kits handle four.

Remote Monitoring & Control

Built-in Cloud Connect lets you check status, set the exercise schedule, view fault history, and even manually start/stop the generator from your phone, tablet, or computer — anywhere with an internet connection. Optional dealer monitoring means your installer is alerted to issues before you are.

Built for Quiet Neighborhoods

At just 65 dB(A) at 23 feet, the Quiet Connect is among the quietest air-cooled standbys in its class. Patented sound-attenuating enclosure, corrosion-resistant aluminum exterior, and galvanized steel interior keep both noise and vibration down. The compact 34 × 36 × 27-inch cabinet is NFPA 37 compliant and can be installed as close as 18 inches from the home.

Cold-Weather Ready

Equipped to start and run down to 0 °F out of the box. Optional cold-weather kit extends reliable starting well below zero for northern installations.

Eco-Friendly "Crank-Only" Exercise

A patented Crank-Only exercise mode lets the controller run full diagnostics without actually firing the engine — saving fuel, reducing emissions, and cutting weekly exercise noise compared to traditional 5–20 minute run cycles. Flexible exercise scheduling lets you pick the day, time, and frequency.

Powered by Cummins

A purpose-built Cummins QSJ999G, 999cc engine designed and manufactured by Cummins — the same name that powers hospitals, data centers, trucks, boats, and RVs around the world. Installer-selectable NG or LP fuel at startup.

What's in the Box

• Cummins RS17A 17 kW air-cooled home standby generator
• Battery charger (integrated)
• Alternator slip-ring heater
• Owner's manual & installation documentation
• ATS sold separately — see our matching Cummins transfer switches

Specifications

• Rated Output: 17 kW on LP / 14 kW on NG
• Voltage: 120/240 V, single-phase, 60 Hz
• Amps: 70.8 A (LP) / 58.3 A (NG)
• Engine: Cummins QSJ999G, 999cc, 3600 rpm
• Fuel: Natural gas or LP (installer-selectable)
• Sound Level: 65 dB(A) @ 23 ft, normal load
• Enclosure: Aluminum exterior / galvanized steel interior, corrosion-resistant
• Dimensions: 34.1" L × 36.0" W × 27.3" H
• Operating Temp: Down to 0 °F out of the box
• Compliance: NFPA 37, UL 2200, EPA Stationary Emergency
• Warranty: Cummins 5-year/2,000-hour limited (parts 5 yr, travel & labor 2 yr)
• Part Number: A064F774 (also known as RS17A, C17N6H)

Installation Requirements (Owner-Supplied)

• Group 51R 450 CCA battery (purchase locally)
• Concrete pad or composite generator pad (Cummins A052A795 recommended)
• Natural gas or propane supply sized for full-load demand
• Automatic transfer switch sized to your panel and load plan
• Licensed electrician and licensed gas fitter for final connection

Frequently Asked Questions

What size home is the RS17A good for?
The RS17A is well-suited to 1,500–2,800 sq ft homes running typical loads — HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, well pump, and outlets. Larger homes or homes with multiple A/Cs may benefit from Intelligent Load Management or a larger unit. Use our free sizing calculator or call us for a load assessment.

Does this come with a transfer switch?
No — the RS17A is generator-only. If you want the matching service-entrance ATS bundled in one box, look at the RS17AC kit. Otherwise we'll help you spec the right Cummins ATS for your panel.

Do I need a permit?
Yes — virtually every jurisdiction requires electrical and gas permits for a standby generator install. Your installer pulls them.

Natural gas or propane — which should I choose?
Natural gas is convenient if your home already has service (no tank to refill). Propane delivers slightly more rated power (17 kW vs. 14 kW) and is the go-to for rural installs. The RS17A runs either — your installer selects the fuel during commissioning.

How loud is it really?
65 dB(A) at 23 feet is roughly the level of a normal conversation — quieter than most central AC condensers running at full speed.

Free shipping?
Yes — free freight shipping to the contiguous 48 states. We'll coordinate a curbside delivery appointment with you.

Why Buy From Total Generator Pros

• Factory-authorized Cummins dealer — MAP pricing, no hidden markup, full manufacturer warranty
• Free shipping to the contiguous US
• Expert sizing & installation available across North & South Carolina
• Real humans — call or chat before, during, and after your purchase