Overview#
The Cummins RS80 is an 80 kW liquid-cooled residential standby generator from the QuietConnect RS Series. It uses a turbocharged and aftercooled version of the 5.9-liter inline 6-cylinder engine to deliver 80 kW (333 amps at 120/240V single phase). The RS80 targets large estate homes, luxury properties, and small commercial applications that need substantial backup capacity in a residential-grade enclosure.
The RS80 runs on natural gas or propane vapor (field selectable) at 1,800 rpm and produces 70.5 dB(A) at 23 feet with the Sound Level 1 enclosure. The aluminum enclosure is wind-rated to 180 mph per ASCE 7-10 and the unit handles cold weather starts down to -40 F with factory accessories. An 850-amp CCA battery is required for reliable starting across the operating temperature range.
At 2,782 lbs and 118.7 x 40.0 x 58.3 inches, the RS80 shares the same footprint as the RS50, RS60, and RS100 models. Fuel consumption on natural gas at full load is approximately 2.52 m³/hr. PowerCommand 1.1 controls provide electronic governing, self-diagnostics, and remote monitoring.
Technical Specifications#
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standby Rating | 80 kW |
| Voltage (1-phase) | 120/240V |
| Voltage (3-phase) | 120/208V, 277/480V |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Rated Amps (1-phase, both fuels) | 333 |
| Engine Model | QSJ5.9G |
| Displacement | 5.9 L (359 in³) |
| Cylinders | 6 (inline) |
| Bore x Stroke | 102.1 mm x 119.9 mm |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged and aftercooled |
| Rated Speed | 1,800 rpm |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Voltage Regulation | ±1.0% |
| Starting System | 12V negative ground |
| Battery Capacity | 850 CCA at 0 F |
| Charging Alternator | 52 amps |
| Controller | PowerCommand 1.1 |
| Sound Level | 70.5 dB(A) at 23 ft (7 m) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 118.7 x 40.0 x 58.3 in |
| Weight | 2,782 lbs |
| Fuel Pressure | 1.5-3.5 kPa (6.0-14.0 in H₂O) |
| Wind Rating | 180 mph (ASCE 7-10) |
| Cold Weather | -40 F (with factory accessories) |
Our Service Experience#
The RS80 is the turbocharged version of the 5.9L platform and shares mechanical commonality with the commercial C80 N6. The turbocharger allows 80 kW from the same displacement and footprint as the naturally aspirated RS50 and RS60, but it adds turbocharger inspection to the annual service checklist.
Service intervals are standard for the 5.9L platform: 500 hours or annually for oil and filter, 500 hours for air filter, 1,000 hours for all 6 spark plugs, 30,000 hours for major overhaul. Turbocharger oil supply and return lines should be inspected annually and the turbo checked for shaft play and seal condition.
Fuel pressure is critical on the turbocharged models -- the engine draws more fuel at full load and any pressure drop below 6.0 in H₂O causes lean running, speed droop, and potential engine damage. Always verify dynamic fuel pressure under load with a manometer at the engine inlet.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What is the standby rating of the RS80? 80 kW at 120/240V single phase (333 amps). Also available in three-phase configurations.
How does the RS80 compare to the C80 N6? The RS80 is the residential QuietConnect version of the C80 N6 commercial generator. Both use the same 5.9L turbocharged engine. The RS80 comes in a residential sound-attenuated enclosure with PowerCommand 1.1 controls, while the C80 N6 uses commercial-grade PowerCommand controls and is typically configured for commercial installations.
What is the warranty on the RS80? 2-year warranty from Cummins. Extended options available through authorized dealers.
