Whole House 26kW Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch

Kohler Power 26,000 Watt (26kW) Dual Fuel 50-State Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator with 200-Amp Transfer Switch

Product Description

The Kohler Power 26,000 Watt (26kW) Dual Fuel Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator is a high-capacity residential backup-power system designed to keep essential household electrical loads operating automatically during a utility outage. The generator is identified as the KOHLER 26RCA and can operate on either liquid propane (LP) or natural gas (NG), providing flexibility for different home fuel setups.

The 26RCA delivers 26kW on LP and 24kW on natural gas, making it KOHLER's high-output air-cooled residential generator in this configuration. It uses a 999 cm³ KOHLER CH1006 V-twin engine, a two-pole rotating-field alternator, and an RDC2 controller. KOHLER lists a response time of approximately 10 seconds, allowing the generator to begin supplying backup power quickly after a utility failure.

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is the component that monitors utility power and automatically transfers the home's electrical load to the generator during an outage, then returns the load to utility power when normal service is restored.

Key Features

• 26kW rated output on LP
• 24kW rated output on natural gas
• Dual-fuel operation: natural gas or liquid propane
• 50-state compliant configuration
• Air-cooled design
• KOHLER CH1006 commercial-grade engine
• 999 cm³ / 61 cu. in. engine displacement
• V-twin cylinder arrangement
• RDC2 digital controller
• 120/240V single-phase output
• 60 Hz operating frequency
• Two-pole rotating-field alternator
• Automatic operation with compatible transfer switch
• Approximately 10-second response time
• Aluminum enclosure
• Built-in mounting pad
• Remote monitoring capability
• Quiet 90-second eco-exercise option
• Designed for residential utility backup
• Premium five-year limited warranty

Powerful 26kW LP Output

The 26RCA is rated at 26kW when operating on liquid propane, providing enough capacity for substantial residential electrical loads. When operating on natural gas, its rated output is 24kW. KOHLER lists the corresponding output current at 109 amps on LP and 100 amps on natural gas.

This makes the generator suitable for applications where homeowners want to back up a large portion of the home's electrical system, subject to the actual load calculation and installation configuration.

Dual-Fuel Operation

One of the generator's main advantages is its ability to operate on natural gas or liquid propane.

Natural gas can be supplied through an existing utility gas connection, while LP operation can be supplied from a properly sized propane tank. This gives homeowners an alternative fuel source if one fuel is unavailable or if the property does not have natural gas service.

Fuel selection and installation must be completed according to KOHLER's installation requirements and applicable local regulations.

KOHLER CH1006 Engine

The generator uses a KOHLER CH1006 engine with a 999 cm³ displacement and V-twin cylinder arrangement. The manufacturer lists engine output at 33.0 HP on natural gas and 36.4 HP on LP. The engine operates at 3,600 RPM.

KOHLER describes its home-generator engines as commercial-grade and states that its generators are tested for extended continuous operation and demanding conditions.

Automatic Backup Power

When paired with the appropriate automatic transfer switch, the generator operates without requiring the homeowner to manually start or stop the system.

During an outage, the ATS detects the loss of utility power and signals the generator to start. After the generator reaches operating conditions, the ATS transfers the connected loads to generator power. When utility service returns, the ATS transfers the load back to the utility and the generator shuts down according to its programmed sequence.

KOHLER specifies approximately 10 seconds of response time for the 26RCA.

200-Amp Transfer Switch Considerations

The product configuration described includes a 200-amp automatic transfer switch. It is important to distinguish the transfer switch's 200A rating from the generator's actual output capacity.

The generator itself produces up to 109A on LP and 100A on natural gas at 240V. A 200A ATS provides the switching capacity required for a 200A electrical service, but it does not mean the generator can continuously supply 200A. The actual connected load must remain within the generator's available output.

KOHLER offers multiple 200A ATS configurations, including standard RXT and RDT models, so the exact transfer-switch model should be confirmed with the package being sold. For example, the RDT-CFNC-0200A-QS7 is a 200A, 240V, single-phase standard ATS, while other 200A models incorporate load centers or service-entrance equipment.

Load Management

A high-capacity standby generator can support many household loads, but starting large motor-driven equipment can create temporary electrical demand. Proper load management and generator sizing are therefore important.

KOHLER's compatible RXT/RDT transfer-switch families offer load-control and/or load-shedding functionality depending on the selected ATS configuration. The appropriate ATS should be selected based on the home's electrical service, generator configuration, and desired backup loads.

Durable Aluminum Enclosure

The 26RCA uses an aluminum enclosure designed for outdoor installation. The enclosure provides protection for the generator's engine and electrical components while maintaining a relatively compact footprint for a 26kW air-cooled residential unit.

KOHLER states that its generator enclosures are engineered to withstand winds of up to 181 mph, providing additional durability for outdoor residential installations.

Quiet Exercise Operation

Regular automatic exercise helps keep a standby generator ready for an emergency. The 26RCA includes a 90-second eco-exercise option, which KOHLER lists at approximately 56 dB(A). Full-speed operation is listed at approximately 67 dB(A).

The eco-exercise mode is intended to reduce the operating time and noise associated with routine weekly exercising while still allowing the generator system to perform its scheduled maintenance cycle.

Remote Monitoring

The 26RCA includes remote monitoring capability, allowing homeowners to monitor generator status and receive system information through compatible KOHLER monitoring solutions. This can make it easier to identify operating conditions or maintenance requirements without having to inspect the generator directly.

Product Specifications

*The generator's 26kW/24kW output should not be interpreted as a 200A continuous generator output. The 200A figure refers to the rating of the associated automatic transfer switch. The exact ATS model and configuration should be verified before purchase.

Typical Applications

The Kohler 26RCA is suitable for:

• Large residential homes
• Whole-home or extensive-load backup systems
• Homes with central air conditioning
• Refrigeration and freezer systems
• Sump and well pumps
• Heating systems
• Home offices and networking equipment
• Security systems
• Appliances and lighting
• High-demand residential electrical systems
• Areas affected by frequent utility interruptions

Installation Requirements

A standby generator of this size requires professional installation. The installation involves more than positioning the generator outdoors; it requires proper electrical, fuel, grounding, exhaust, clearance, and transfer-switch connections.

The generator must be matched to the home's calculated electrical load and installed according to KOHLER instructions and applicable electrical, fuel-gas, building, and local requirements.

The 200A ATS rating should also be matched to the home's service configuration. Depending on the installation, a standard ATS, load-center ATS, or service-entrance ATS may be appropriate. KOHLER offers these configurations separately.

Why Choose the Kohler 26RCA?

The Kohler Power 26,000 Watt (26kW) Dual Fuel 50-State Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator combines high residential output, dual-fuel flexibility, automatic operation, remote monitoring, and a durable outdoor enclosure.

Its 26kW LP / 24kW natural-gas rating, commercial-grade KOHLER V-twin engine, automatic transfer capability, and approximately 10-second response time make it a strong choice for homeowners who need substantial backup capacity rather than a small portable generator.

The system is especially attractive for homes where maintaining multiple high-demand electrical loads during an outage is important. The ability to operate on either natural gas or LP also provides flexibility when planning the home's backup-power infrastructure.

Important Model and Package Note

KOHLER currently identifies the generator itself as 26RCA. The exact 200A transfer switch supplied with a particular package can vary, because KOHLER offers multiple compatible 200A ATS configurations. Therefore, a product listing should verify the complete ATS model number rather than describing every 200A transfer switch as identical.