This manual contains important instructions for the generator set that should be
followed during installation, operation and maintenance of the generator set and
batteries.
Thoroughly read the operator manual before operating the generator set. Safe
operation and top performance can only be obtained when equipment is properly
operated and maintained.
The following symbols in this manual alert you to potential hazards to the operator,
service person and equipment.
DANGER
Alerts you to an immediate hazard that will result in severe personal injury or
death.
WARNING
Alerts you to a hazard or unsafe practice that can result in severe personal
injury or death.
Alerts you to a hazard or unsafe practice that can result in personal injury or
equipment damage.
1.2General Information
This manual should form part of the documentation package supplied by Cummins
Power Generation with specific generator sets. In the event that this manual has
been supplied in isolation please contact your authorized dealer.
It is in the operator's interest to read and understand all warnings and
cautions contained in the documentation relevant to the generator set
operation and daily maintenance.
1.3General Precautions
• Keep ABC fire extinguishers accessible.
CAUTION
NOTICE
• Make sure that all fasteners are secure and torqued properly.
• Keep the generator set and its compartment clean. Do not store any items in
the generator set compartment.
• Before working on the generator set, make sure the generator set is shut down
and disabled.
1. Press the generator set's "O" (Off) button or the red STOP button on the
local display (whichever is applicable) to stop the generator set. Allow the
generator set to thoroughly cool to the touch.
2. If applicable, turn off and disconnect the battery charger from the AC
source before disconnecting the battery cables.
3. Disconnect the negative (–) cable from the battery and secure it from
contacting the battery terminals to prevent accidental starting.
• Use caution when making adjustments when the generator set is running, hot,
or when parts are electrically live, as all situations may cause personal injury or
death.
• Used engine oil has been identified by some state and federal agencies as
causing cancer or reproductive toxicity. Do not ingest, inhale, or come into
contact with used oil or its vapors.
• Do not work on the generator set when mentally or physically fatigued or after
consuming alcohol or drugs.
NOTICE
Only trained and authorized personnel shall maintain or service the
generator set.
NOTICE
The installation of the generator set shall provide enough ventilation to
ensure that gases generated by vented batteries during charging, or caused
by equipment malfunction, are removed.
General Safety Precautions
WARNING
Hazardous Voltage
Contact with high voltages can cause severe electrical shock, burns, or
death.
Make sure that only a trained and experienced electrician makes generator
set electrical output connections, in accordance with the installation
instructions and all applicable codes.
Keep multi-class ABC fire extinguishers handy. Class A fires involve
ordinary combustible materials such as wood and cloth. Class B fires
involve combustible and flammable liquid fuels and gaseous fuels. Class C
fires involve live electrical equipment. (Refer to NFPA No. 10 in applicable
region.)
NOTICE
Before performing maintenance and service procedures on enclosed
generator sets, make sure the service access doors are secured open.
NOTICE
Stepping on the generator set can cause parts to bend or break, leading to
electrical shorts, or to fuel, coolant, or exhaust leaks. Do not step on the
generator set.
1.4Generator Set Voltage Is Deadly
• Generator set output connections must be made by a trained and experienced
electrician in accordance with all applicable codes.
• This generator set and the public utility may only be connected to house circuits
by means of the automatic transfer switch.
CAUTION
Improper connections can lead to electrocution of utility workers and
damage to equipment. Make sure that the connections are installed
properly by a trained technician.
• Use caution when working on live electrical equipment. Remove jewelry, and
make sure clothing and shoes are dry. Stand on a dry wooden platform.
1.5Engine Exhaust Is Deadly
• See The Hazards of Carbon Monoxide to learn the symptoms of Carbon
Monoxide poisoning.
• Locate the generator set away from doors, windows, other openings into the
house, and where exhaust gases will disperse away from the house.
Fire, explosion, and personal injury or death can result from improper practices.
• DO NOT permit any flame, cigarette, pilot light, spark, arcing equipment, or
other ignition source near the generator set or fuel system.
• Fuel lines must be adequately secured and free of leaks. Fuel connection at the
engine should be made with an approved flexible line. Do not use copper piping
on flexible lines because copper will become brittle if continuously vibrated or
repeatedly bent.
• Be sure all fuel supplies have a positive shutoff valve.
• Be sure the battery area has been well-ventilated prior to servicing near it.
Lead-acid batteries emit a highly explosive hydrogen gas that can be ignited by
arcing, sparking, smoking, etc.
1.7Batteries Can Explode
Batteries can explode, causing severe skin and eye burns and can release toxic
electrolytes.
WARNING
Combustible Gases
Batteries can explode, causing severe skin and eye burns, and can release
toxic electrolytes.
Do not dispose of the battery in a fire, because it is capable of exploding. Do
not open or mutilate the battery.
WARNING
Electric Shock Hazard
Batteries present the risk of high short circuit current.
Remove watches, rings, or other metal objects. Use tools with insulated
handles.
NOTICE
Servicing of batteries must be performed or supervised by personnel
knowledgeable of batteries and the required precautions. Keep unauthorized
personnel away from batteries.
• Wear safety glasses.
• Do not smoke.
• To prevent arcing when disconnecting the battery:
1. Press the Off switch from the display and then press the E-Stop button.
3. Remove the negative (-) battery cable to prevent starting.
• To prevent arcing when reconnecting the battery:
1. Reconnect the positive (+) cable.
2. Reconnect the negative (-) cable.
3. Reconnect the battery charger to AC power supply.
• When replacing the generator set battery, always replace it with a battery as
specified in this manual.
1.8Starting Batteries
Toxic Hazard
The electrolyte in starting batteries is a dilute sulfuric acid that is harmful to
the skin and eyes. It is also electrically conductive and corrosive.
Always:
1. Wear full eye protection and protective clothing;
2. If the electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off immediately with water;
3. If the electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush them thoroughly and
immediately with water and seek medical attention; and
4. Wash spilled electrolyte down with an acid neutralizing agent. A
common practice is to use a solution of one pound (500 grams)
bicarbonate of soda (also known as baking soda or sodium bicarbonate)
to one gallon (4 liters) of water.
5. Continue to add the bicarbonate of soda solution until the evidence of
reaction (that is, foaming) has stopped.
6. Flush the resulting liquid with water and dry the area.
1. Important Safety Instructions12-2016
WARNING
1.9Moving Parts Can Cause Severe Personal
Injury or Death
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry near moving parts, such as fans.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas.
You cannot see it or smell it. Red blood cells, however, have a greater affinity for
CO than for oxygen. Therefore, exposure even to low levels of CO for a prolonged
period can lead to asphyxiation (lack of oxygen) resulting in death. Mild effects of
CO poisoning include eye irritation, dizziness, headaches, fatigue and the inability to
think clearly. More extreme symptoms include vomiting, seizures and collapse.
Engine-driven generator sets produce harmful levels of carbon monoxide that can
injure or kill you.
Special Risks of CO near the Home
WARNING
Toxic Gases
Carbon monoxide (CO) gas can cause nausea, fainting, or death. Residents
can be exposed to lethal levels of CO when the generator set is running.
Depending on air temperature and wind, CO can accumulate in or near the
home.
To protect yourself and others from the dangers of CO poisoning, it is
recommended that reliable, approved, and operable CO detector alarms are
installed in proper locations in the home as specified by their manufacturer.
Protecting Yourself from CO Poisoning
• Locate the generator set in an area where there are no windows, doors, or
other access points into the home.
• Make sure all CO detectors are installed and working properly.
• Pay attention for signs of CO poisoning.
• Check the exhaust system for corrosion, obstruction, and leaks every time you
start the generator set and every eight hours when you run it continuously.
Improper installation can result in severe personal injury, death and damage
to equipment. The installation must comply with all applicable building
codes (including project permits and inspections). The installer should be
properly trained and licensed to perform electrical and mechanical
equipment installations (including gaseous fuel installation).
Manuals are updated from time to time to reflect changes in the equipment
and its specifications. The most up-to-date version of this manual is found
on the QuickServe website
(https://quickserve.cummins.com/info/index.html).
This manual is a guide for the installation of the generator set models listed on the
front cover. Proper installation is essential for top performance, reliable operation,
and safety. Read through this manual before starting the installation. This manual
covers outdoor applications only; this product must never be installed indoors.
WARNING
NOTICE
NOTICE
The installation must comply with all applicable building codes.
See the generator set's specific Operator Manual for operation and maintenance
and specific Service Manual for service.
Refer to the Model Specifications section for specific information about the system
and its components.
Refer to the Outline and System Drawings appendix and the Wiring Diagrams
appendix for specific information about installation and wiring connections.
2.2Schedule of Abbreviations
This list is not exhaustive. For example, it does not identify units of measure or
acronyms that appear only in parameters, event/fault names, or part/accessory
names.
Abbr.DescriptionAbbr.Description
ACAlternating CurrentLEDLight-Emitting Diode
AMPAMP, Inc. (part of Tyco
FSOFuel ShutoffRMSRoot Mean Square
GensetGenerator SetRTURemote Terminal Unit
GCPGenerator Control PanelSAESociety of Automotive
GNDGroundscfhStandard Cubic Feet of
HMIHuman-Machine
Interface
ICIntegrated CircuitSPNSuspect Parameter
PWMPulse-Width Modulation
Interference
System
Engineers
gas per Hour
SCRSelective Catalytic
Reduction
Number
ISOInternational Organization
for Standardization
LBNGLean-Burn Natural GasULUnderwriters
LCDLiquid Crystal DisplayUPSUninterruptible Power
LCTLow Coolant
Temperature
2.3Related Literature
Before any attempt is made to operate the generator set, the operator should take
time to read all of the manuals supplied with the generator set and familiarize
themselves with the warnings and operating procedures.
A generator set must be operated and maintained properly if you are to
expect safe and reliable operation. The Operator manual includes a
maintenance schedule and a troubleshooting guide.
The Health and Safety manual must be read in conjunction with this manual
for the safe operation of the generator set, as well as the Warranty
Statements.
The literature provided with the generator set is as follows:
• Installation Manual (A053X172)
• Operator Manual (A053X174)
• Quick Start Installation Guide (A053X181)
• Quick Start Operator Guide (A053X183)
• Health and Safety Manual (0908-0110-00)
• Global Warranty Statement (A056F206)
• Emission Warranty Statement (Federal Emissions EPA Title 40 CFR Part 90
Component Warranty) (A028X278)
The relevant manuals appropriate to your generator set are also available. The
documents below are in English:
• Generator Set Service Manual (A053X177)
• RA Series RA112L1 Automatic Transfer Switch Owner Manual (A052S254) - if
applicable
• RASeries100A/200A/400AAutomaticTransferSwitchOwnerManual
(A046S594) - if applicable
◦ The gas supplied to the generator set must be of acceptable quality.
◦ The gas supply must have sufficient pressure. Care must be taken to be
sure that the gas supply at the generator set, not just at the source, is of
proper pressure for operation. The specified pressure must be available
while the generator set is starting and running at full load.
◦ The gas must be supplied to the generator set in sufficient volume to
support operation of the generator set. This is normally a matter of
selecting fuel line size to be large enough to transport the volume of fuel
needed. For liquid propane vapor-withdrawal fuel systems the size and
temperature of the fuel tank also affects this requirement.
2.5Model Specifications
TABLE 1.MODEL VARIATIONS
2. Introduction12-2016
Model
C13N6HBoth1354.2
C17N6HBoth1770.8
C20N6H,
C20N6HC
Maximum load imbalance allowed is 50% of generator set rating.
TABLE 2.COLD WEATHER SPECIFICATIONS (ALL MODELS)
TemperatureDescription
Above 40 °F (4 °C)No starting aids required
0 to 40 °F (-17 to 4 °C)Alternator heater (supplied with the generator set)
Natural Gas or
Propane Vapor
Natural Gas Only1875
Propane Vapor
Only
kWAmpsFrequencyVoltage
2083.3
NOTICE
60 Hz
120/240 VAC
Single Phase
Below 0 °F (-17 °C)
• Alternator, battery, oil and regulator heaters
• 0W30 oil (see Lubricating Oil System Specifications)
Length877 mm (34.5 in)
Width915 mm (36 in)
Height694 mm (27.3 in)
TABLE 6.GENERATOR SET WET WEIGHT (INCLUDING BATTERY)
ModelValue
C13N6H218 kg (479 lb)
C17N6H, C20N6H, C20N6HC241 kg (531 lb)
TABLE 7.GENERATOR SET DERATING GUIDELINES
Engine Power Available Up To...Derate At…
ElevationAmbient TemperatureElevationTemperature
C13N6H2100 m (6900 ft)25 °C (77 °F)
C17N6H300 m (1000 ft)25 °C (77 °F)
C20N6H,
C20N6HC
0 m (0 ft)15 °C (60 °F)
NOTICE
Derating guidelines: This product's output power is limited by factors such
as BTU content of fuel, ambient temperature, altitude, humidity, engine
condition, etc. The derating guidelines are based on properly maintained
product, using the appropriate fuel. Derate values are based on expected
engine power changes from elevation and temperatures listed.
The installer is responsible for complying with all applicable installation
codes and safety requirements. See the Installation Codes and Standards for
Safety section of this manual for more information.
The following sections create a step-by-step overview of a typical generator set
installation. Review these sections to become familiar with specific procedures and
important safety before beginning the installation.
NOTICE
For information on tools and materials, see the Required Items for
Installation section. For information on locating the generator set, see the
Installation section. For codes and standards, see the Installation Codes
and Standards for Safety section. For specifications, see the Model
Specification section.
Areas of consideration:
• Location of the generator set: this is one of the first decisions to be made, as it
affects all other aspects of the installation, such as:
◦ Length of electric wiring
◦ Length of gas lines (natural gas or propane - must be inspected by the gas
utility inspectors and building inspectors)
◦ Site preparation:
▪ Access to the site
▪ Trenches
▪ Site preparation materials needed
• Fuel supply pressure
• Automatic transfer switch location and connections
• Tools and materials required
• Minimum distance from the propane tank fill:
◦ Verify the legal minimum distance with local code officials.
◦ Verify the minimum distance from the service pressure regulator to the
◦ Verify any minimum clearance requirements to the generator set that the
gas supplier or equipment supplier may have.
• Accessories required (if any) for the customer's application (utility power is
required at the generator set for the battery charger and may be required for
the heaters; make plans accordingly)
NOTICE
Depending on the locality and use of the generator set, it may be necessary
to obtain an air quality emissions permit before installation begins. Check
with local pollution control or air quality authority to determine permit
requirements.
3.2Installation Codes and Standards for Safety
NOTICE
The generator set installer bears sole responsibility for following all
applicable local codes and regulations.
The following list of codes and standards may apply to the installation and operation
of the generator set. This list is for reference only and not intended to be inclusive of
all applicable codes and standards. The address of each agency is listed so that
copies of the codes may be obtained for reference. Installation codes and
recommendations are subject to change, and may vary by location or over time.
TABLE 11.INSTALLATION CODES AND STANDARDS FOR SAFETY
RECOMMENDATIONS
Code or StandardOrganization
NFPA 37 - Installation and Use of Stationary
Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines
NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code
NFPA 58 - Storage and Handling of Liquefied
Petroleum Gases
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code
California Administrative Code - Title 25 Chapter 3State of California
Documents Section
P.O. Box 1015
North Highlands, CA 95660
Operating the Generator Set Cover Safely
To configure the local display or access the generator set, you will need to lift the
cover (lid). The cover of the generator set is designed to latch securely into the "up"
position to prevent accidental closure.
• To open: Lift the cover until the hinge pin drops into the hinge pin slot.Test
that the cover is secure by gently pressing down on the cover.
• To close: Lift up on the cover while pressing upward on the hinge pin and slide
the pin upwards out of the hinge pin slot. Carefully push the cover downward
and let go of the hinge pin allowing it to ride along the hinge until the cover is
closed.
Tools and materials are used for the installation of this generator set. These items
are identified in the following sections. Please refer to local codes and standards,
because they may affect the materials required.
Materials Required
NOTICE
Refer to local codes and standards, which may affect material requirements.
A UL-listed grounding electrode terminal within its ratings and suitable for
the application must be installed and labeled “Grounding Electrode
Terminal”.
NOTICE
Class 1 wiring methods must be used for connecting the generator set.
TABLE 12.MATERIALS REQUIRED
RequirementSpecification
Electrical Materials
Code compliant AC power wiresFour (L1, L2, N and Gnd)
For accessories (alternator heater, oil heater, battery heater,
and/or regulator heater) (if equipped)
Code compliant 20 A, 120
VAC, GFCI protected circuit,
copper wire only
RA switches only: Control wires from the generator set to the
Four DC wires
transfer switch
Ethernet cable for Internet installation (as required)Cat 5, Cat 5e or Cat 6
All AC and DC wire and cable ratingsMust be 75 °C minimum with
600 V minimum insulation,
stranded copper, rated for wet
1
Wire sizes (for all DC customer connections): Under 1000 ft
locations.
18-14 AWG
wire length
ConduitCode compliant for all wires
Mounting Materials
Bolts or anchor assembliesTwo base tie-down
Fuel System Materials
Fuel lineFlexible
Pipe thread sealantUL listed
Fuel service pressure regulator (as required)-Manual fuel shut-off at generator set ahead of automatic
Before beginning the installation of the transfer switch, verify that the unit was
correctly selected. Check the following features:
• Specifications (voltage, amperage, frequency, poles, and phases)
• Enclosure (indoor vs. outdoor)
• Model
Cummins recommends that any RA series transfer switch be used with these
generator sets. Refer to the appropriate RA series ATS owner manual for more
detailed information.
Choosing a Transfer Switch
This section includes block diagrams showing partial or full load coverage for the
following Cummins UL 1008 listed transfer switches: