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Kohler 20RCA Generator Set

The Kohler 20RCA is a 20 kW (20 kVA) Natural Gas/LPG standby generator set powered by a Kohler CH1000 engine. It is available at 120/240 V, 120/208 V and 277/480 V, 1-phase and 60 Hz. It holds about 1.9 L (0.5 gal) of oil. Starting uses 1 group-51 battery rated 500 CCA at 12 V. The set measures 1193×666×817 mm (47.0×26.2×32.2 in), weighs about 252 kg (556 lb) and produces 64 dBA at 7 m.

20 kW
Standby
0.999 L
Displacement
1.9 L
Oil capacity
7
Document types

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Specifications

FuelNatural Gas/LPG
Frequency60.0 Hz
Standby power20 kW
Standby kVA20
EmissionsMeets emission regulations for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with both natural gas and LPG
ControllerRDC2
Oil capacity1.9 L
Voltage options12 V
Phase1,3
Power factor1.0
Circuit breaker[75, 58, 60, 30] A
Battery group51
Battery cranking500 CCA
Battery voltage12 V
Battery quantity1
Dimensions (L×W×H)1193×666×817 mm
Dry weight252 kg
Sound level70.0 dBA @ 7 m

Engine

Kohler CH1000
Oil capacity2.7 L
Displacement0.999 L
AspirationAir-Cooled
Rated speed3600 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Kohler CH1000
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterDry300 hr find
Fuel filter find
Oil filterCartridge×1200 hr find
Belt find
Coolant
Coolant filter find
OilFull Pressure100 hr

Common questions

What is the power rating of the Kohler 20RCA?

The Kohler 20RCA is rated 20 kW standby (20.0 kVA).

What engine does the Kohler 20RCA use?

The Kohler 20RCA is powered by the Kohler CH1000 engine.

What fuel does the Kohler 20RCA use?

The Kohler 20RCA runs on Natural Gas/LPG.

What is the oil capacity of the Kohler 20RCA?

The Kohler CH1000 engine in the Kohler 20RCA has an oil capacity of 2.7 liters.

Troubleshooting

26

Fault codes

CodeMeaningCauseRemedy
BusDeadLiveThe bus is measured to be dead when one of the generators is supposed to be supplying voltage to the bus (closed contactor).Bus metering V9A and V9B connections to V9 of paralleling protection harness are connected incorrectly.
BusLiveDeadThe bus is measured to be live when no generators are connected to it (both contactors open).Bus metering V9A and V9B connections to V9 of paralleling protection harness are connected incorrectly.
CfgModelNumThe two generators that are intended to be paralleled have incompatible model numbers.Incorrect configuration of one of the generators. Different generator types. The paralleled generator sets must be the same kW model. (i.e. two 14 kW or two 20 kWor 26 kW models).
CfgSysVoltThe system voltage of the two generators intended to be paralleled is not the same.One of the two generators is incorrectly configured. Intermittent connections on RBUS network wiring.
ConCheckFailFailure to Auto-Discover APM connections.Wires 9A and 9B crossed between the generators. Wires 9A or 9B not connected.
ConNotDetermAPM connection auto-discovery is not complete. This means that the generator does not know which contactor is connected to it.Generators not yet started in RUN with other generator in OFF. See the APM instruction sheet for instructions to perform the auto-discovery procedure.
ContactorOkSuccessful auto-discovery of APM connections.Auto-discovery was activated by placing other generator in OFF and this generator in RUN.
ErraticSigThe power metering on this controller gives a signal that is not consistent with the system configuration. Reversing the power direction does not resolve the problem.Bad wiring to the CT. Too much tension on wires from the CT to the controller.
LossOfComAPMThe Automatic Paralleling Module has stopped communicating on RBUS. (An APM was detected on the RBUS network but is no longer communicating).APM is unplugged. Primary controller is powered down. Check the battery connections. See previous page for more information. Intermittent connections on RBUS network wiring.
LossOfComm2The primary controller has lost communication with the secondary controller. (A secondary controller was detected, then communication was lost.)RBUS disconnected, secondary controller battery disconnected, updating firmware in secondary controller, or intermittent RBUS connections.
LossOfFieldThis generator has absorbed more than 25% reactive power (magnetic excitation current) for 20 seconds.Generator voltage on this generator is not calibrated correctly. Generator voltage on other generator is not calibrated correctly. Bus voltage on this generator is not calibrated correctly. Bus voltage on the other generator is not calibrated correctly.
MeteringOkThe generator has verified that the metering is connected correctly and that the direction is consistent with expected power direction.Status message indicates that the CT is connected to the generator correctly.
MeterUnknownThis generator does not know if the metering is connected or the orientation of the connection. This means that the generators can’t share load accurately until this information is known.System commissioning and startup not yet complete. See the APM instructions.
NoCurrentThe generator has applied load (using the other generator) and has observed no current on the power sensing inputs.The CT is not connected to the controller. The output leads from the generator do not go through the CT in the correct direction. See the APM instructions.
SyncFailureThe generator has been attempting to synchronize for over 2 minutes without success.Generator is hunting. Advanced speed control settings need adjustment. Load is changing frequently to disturb the online generator.
Volts L1-L2Generator voltage high. Output voltage exceeds 120% of the system nominal voltage for more than 2 seconds.Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service.
Volts L1-L2Generator voltage low. Output voltage falls below 80% of the nominal system voltage for more than 10 seconds.Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Model 20RCA/20RCAL only: Check enclosure thermostat and reset if tripped. See Section 5.6.
Main Power Overload ShutdownThe generator shuts down due to a main power overload.Check the circuit breaker and ensure it is not tripped. If necessary, replace the circuit breaker.
Battery Low WarningsLow battery voltage warnings are displayed on the controller display.Check the battery connections and ensure they are secure. Replace the battery if it is low on charge.
Faults Related to ParallelingParalleling issues occur, such as incorrect synchronization or failure to maintain parallel operation.Verify that all paralleling settings are correct in the controller parameters. Check the paralleling cables and connections for any faults.

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Battery acid can cause blindness and burn skin.If battery acid splashes in the eyes or on the skin, immediately flush the affected area for 15 minutes with large quantities of clean water. Seek immediate medical aid in the case of eye contact.
Battery acid is electrically conductive and corrosive.Add 500 g (1 lb.) of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) to a container with 4 L (1 gal.) of water and mix the neutralizing solution. Pour the neutralizing solution on the spilled battery acid and continue to add the neutralizing solution to the spilled battery acid until all evidence of a chemical reaction (foaming) has ceased. Flush the resulting liquid with water and dry the area.
Short circuits can cause bodily injury and/or equipment damage.Disconnect the battery before generator set installation or maintenance. Remove all jewelry before servicing the equipment. Use tools with insulated handles. Remove the negative (–) lead first when disconnecting the battery. Reconnect the negative (–) lead last when reconnecting the battery. Never connect the negative (–) battery cable to the positive (+) connection terminal of the starter solenoid. Do not test the battery condition by shorting the terminals together.
D burn skin.Always wear splashproof safety goggles, rubber gloves, and boots when servicing the battery. If battery acid splashes in the eyes or on the skin, immediately flush the affected area for 15 minutes with large quantities of clean water. Seek immediate medical aid in the case of eye contact.
Three unsuccessful starting attempts.Check the fuel supply, spark plug, and battery. Check for loose connections.Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service.
Engine speed sensor has failed or engine stalled.Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Parts

24
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
12 050 01-SFilter, oil8Oil filter kuduparts $32.00
24 083 09-SElement, air filter1Air filter element buy
25 132 14-SSpark plug2Spark plug buy
25 158 08-SBushing, linkage retaining4Bushing buy
25 435 06-SKit, starter solenoid1Kit buy
358358Coupling, stepper motor4Coupling buy
48 099 07-SSwitch, oil pressure1Switch buy
52 050 02-SFilter, oil8Oil filter buy
52 099 08-SSwitch, oil pressure1Switch buy
62 083 04-SElement, air filter1Air filter element buy
62 132 04-SSpark plug2Spark plug buy
GM101737Lifting bars4Lifting bar buy
GM101740Fuel regulator and LPG orifice, 20RCA/RCALFuel regulator and orifice buy
GM102846Fuel orifice fittingFuel orifice fitting buy
GM103743Emergency Stop Switch (optional)1Emergency stop switch buy
GM110973-CMPFuel selector, 14RCA/RCAL and 20RCA/RCALFuel selector buy
GM111084Shutdown Switch1Shutdown switch buy
GM114166Fuel selector, 14RCA/RCAL and 20RCA/RCALFuel selector buy
GM28823Sensor, oil temperature1Sensor buy
GM66128Fuse, 3 Amp5Fuse buy
GM66129Fuse, 7.5 Amp5Fuse buy
GM90304Revised RDC2 Controller1Display buy
ADV-8424Removing the Air Intake Panel1Service part / kit buy
EZ-273000-JBattery post adapterService part / kit Amazon eBay

Service, wear & replacement parts referenced for this model and its engine — confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.

Fuel consumption

RatingLoadL/hgal/h
25%
50%
75%
100%
Prime
Prime100%
Standby
Standby25%
Standby50%
Standby60%
Standby75%
Standby100%

Available documents

BrochureSpec sheetInstallation manualReferenceOwner's manualParts manualService manual

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