Caterpillar · Cat C175 Series (Large Diesel)

Cat C175-16

3100 kW standby / 2500 kW prime · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

2500-3100 kW diesel generator with Cat C175-16 SCAC V-16 engine. 84.7L displacement, Tier 2, mission-critical and standby power for data centers and large industrial facilities.

Caterpillar Cat C175-16 generator — specifications and details
Standby power
3100 kW / 2500 kW prime
Voltage options
220V, 277/480V, 4160V, 13800V
Frequency / Phase
60 Hz · 3-phase
Engine
Caterpillar C175-16 SCAC · 84.7L
EPA / Emissions
Tier 2

Overview#

The Cat C175-16 is a large-format diesel generator set rated from 2,500 to 3,100 ekW for standby and mission-critical applications. Built around Caterpillar's 84.7-liter V-16 SCAC engine with common rail fuel injection and ADEM A4 electronic controls, this platform serves data centers, large industrial facilities, and campus-scale power systems where multi-megawatt capacity is required.

The C175-16 is available in voltages from 220V through 13,800V medium voltage, making it suitable for both low-voltage paralleling arrays and direct medium-voltage distribution. The EMCP 4.2 control panel provides full protective relaying, Modbus RTU communications, and programmable I/O for integration into building management and paralleling systems.

Key specifications#

  • Power range: 2,500 to 3,100 ekW standby at 60 Hz / 1,800 rpm
  • Engine: Cat C175-16 SCAC, V-16, 4-stroke, 84.7L displacement
  • Bore x stroke: 175 mm x 220 mm (6.89 in x 8.66 in)
  • Compression ratio: 16.07:1
  • Fuel system: Common rail with ADEM A4 governor
  • Emissions: U.S. EPA Certified for Stationary Emergency Use Only (Tier 2 Nonroad Equivalent)
  • Fuel consumption (at 3,000 ekW / 480V): 212.9 gal/hr at full load, 154.6 gal/hr at 75%, 109.7 gal/hr at 50%

Physical dimensions#

At maximum configuration, the C175-16 measures 312.9 inches long, 113.7 inches wide, and 134.3 inches high, with a dry weight up to 50,500 lb (22,906 kg). Minimum-configuration dry weight starts at 42,750 lb (19,391 kg). Site planning must account for adequate structural support and rigging access for equipment of this size.

Our service experience#

The C175-16 represents Cat's high-power diesel platform. At this size class, proper load banking, fuel quality management, and turbocharger health monitoring are critical to reliability. The dual-turbo V-16 configuration requires balanced attention to both banks during service intervals. The EMCP 4.2 controller provides comprehensive diagnostics and supports paralleling for multi-unit installations.

FAQ#

What is the standby power output of the Cat C175-16?#

The Cat C175-16 is rated from 2,500 to 3,100 ekW standby at 60 Hz / 1,800 rpm. Common configurations include 3,000 ekW at 480V and 3,100 ekW standby for mission-critical applications.

What engine does the Cat C175-16 generator use?#

The C175-16 SCAC -- an 84.7-liter V-16, four-stroke turbocharged-aftercooled diesel with a 175 mm bore, 220 mm stroke, 16.07:1 compression ratio, and common rail fuel injection governed by the ADEM A4 electronic governor. Certified to U.S. EPA Tier 2 Nonroad Equivalent for stationary emergency use.

What are the service intervals for the Cat C175-16?#

Standard Cat C175-16 service intervals are: oil change every 500 hours or 12 months, coolant flush at 6,000 hours, air filter at 1,000 hours. Major overhaul interval is 50,000 hours for the C175 series -- significantly longer than smaller Cat platforms. Annual load bank testing is recommended.

Is the Cat C175-16 EPA compliant?#

Yes. The C175-16 is U.S. EPA Certified for Stationary Emergency Use Only, meeting Tier 2 Nonroad Equivalent emission standards. It also holds UL 2200, IBC seismic certification, NFPA 110, and ISO 8528-5 compliance.

Who services Cat C175-16 generators in Northern California?#

PowerGen provides installation, maintenance, load bank testing, and emergency service for Caterpillar generators throughout Northern California and the Central Valley. As an authorized dealer network partner, we stock common Cat parts and have factory-trained technicians. Call us for service within a 150-mile radius of Sacramento.

What fuel does the Cat C175-16 use?#

The C175-16 runs on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Biodiesel blends up to B20 are compatible. At the 3,000 ekW rating, fuel consumption is 212.9 gal/hr at full load, 154.6 gal/hr at 75% load, and 109.7 gal/hr at 50% load.

What voltage options are available on the Cat C175-16?#

The C175-16 is available in 220V, 277/480V, 4160V medium voltage, and 13,800V high voltage configurations, making it suitable for both low-voltage paralleling arrays and direct medium- or high-voltage distribution.

What controller does the Cat C175-16 use?#

The Cat C175-16 uses the EMCP 4.2 controller, which provides full protective relaying, Modbus RTU communications, programmable I/O, and Cat Connect connectivity for remote monitoring and integration into building management and paralleling systems.

Engineering specifications

Physical

Length
312.9 in
Width
113.7 in
Height
134.3 in
Dry weight
50,500 lb

Acoustic

Sound power Lw
122.8 dBA

Fuel system & runtime

Fuel use @ full load
212.9 GPH
Fuel use @ 75% load
154.6 GPH
Fuel use @ 50% load
109.7 GPH

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

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Estimated runtime

1.2 hours(0.1 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 164.24 GPH at 75% load. Estimate based on industry-typical 1800 RPM standby curves (≈0.07 GPH/kW at full load). Actual consumption varies by engine, ambient temperature, fuel quality, and tuning.

Service intervals

Manufacturer-recommended intervals for the Cat C175-16 under standby duty. Field intervals may differ based on load profile, ambient conditions, and fuel quality.

Oil & filter
Every 500 hours or 12 months
Air filter
Every 1000 hours
Major overhaul
50,000 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standby power output of the Cat C175-16?
The Cat C175-16 is rated from 2,500 to 3,100 ekW standby at 60 Hz / 1,800 rpm. Common configurations include 3,000 ekW at 480V and 3,100 ekW standby for mission-critical applications.
What engine does the Cat C175-16 generator use?
The C175-16 SCAC -- an 84.7-liter V-16, four-stroke turbocharged-aftercooled diesel with a 175 mm bore, 220 mm stroke, 16.07:1 compression ratio, and common rail fuel injection governed by the ADEM A4 electronic governor. Certified to U.S. EPA Tier 2 Nonroad Equivalent for stationary emergency use.
What are the service intervals for the Cat C175-16?
Standard Cat C175-16 service intervals are: oil change every 500 hours or 12 months (whichever comes first), coolant flush at 6,000 hours, air filter at 1,000 hours. Major overhaul interval is 50,000 hours for the C175 series, significantly longer than smaller Cat platforms. Annual load bank testing is recommended.
Is the Cat C175-16 EPA compliant?
Yes. The C175-16 is U.S. EPA Certified for Stationary Emergency Use Only, meeting Tier 2 Nonroad Equivalent emission standards. It also holds UL 2200, IBC seismic certification, NFPA 110, and ISO 8528-5 compliance.
Who services Cat C175-16 generators in Northern California?
PowerGen provides installation, maintenance, load bank testing, and emergency service for Caterpillar generators throughout Northern California and the Central Valley. As an authorized dealer network partner, we stock common Cat parts and have factory-trained technicians. Call us for service within a 150-mile radius of Sacramento.
What fuel does the Cat C175-16 use?
The C175-16 runs on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Biodiesel blends up to B20 are compatible. At the 3,000 ekW rating, fuel consumption is 212.9 gal/hr at full load, 154.6 gal/hr at 75% load, and 109.7 gal/hr at 50% load.
What voltage options are available on the Cat C175-16?
The C175-16 is available in 220V, 277/480V, 4160V medium voltage, and 13,800V high voltage configurations, making it suitable for both low-voltage paralleling arrays and direct medium- or high-voltage distribution.
What controller does the Cat C175-16 use?
The Cat C175-16 uses the EMCP 4.2 controller, which provides full protective relaying, Modbus RTU communications, programmable I/O, and Cat Connect connectivity for remote monitoring and integration into building management and paralleling systems.

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