Kohler · Decision-Maker

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Kohler Decision-Maker 6000 Controller

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Kohler's flagship generator controller for industrial diesel paralleling applications. Manages up to 8 gensets on an isolated bus with isochronous load sharing, automatic sequencing, and NFPA 110 Level 1 compliance reporting. Standard on KD-platform generators 1000 kW and above.

Overview#

The Decision-Maker 6000 is Kohler's top-tier industrial generator controller, purpose-built for multi-unit paralleling in mission-critical facilities. It manages up to 8 generators on an isolated bus with isochronous load sharing, automatic sequencing, and integrated NFPA 110 compliance documentation.

Generator compatibility#

Generator PlatformPower RangeController Role
KD1000 – KD40001000–4000 kWStandard (factory-installed)
1600REOZMD, 1750REOZMD, 2000REOZMD1600–2000 kWStandard (factory-installed)
2000REOZDD, 2250REOZDD, 2500REOZDB2000–2500 kWStandard (factory-installed)
3250REOZD3250 kWStandard (factory-installed)
REOZ commercial (500–1000 kW)500–1000 kWAvailable upgrade

Key capabilities#

  • Paralleling: Up to 8 generators on isolated bus with automatic sequencing
  • Load sharing: Isochronous mode — proportional load distribution based on unit rating
  • N+1 redundancy: Automatic failover if any unit trips or fails to start
  • Color touchscreen: Real-time status, metering, event logs, and configuration
  • BMS integration: BACnet, SNMP, and Modbus for direct building management system connectivity
  • NFPA 110 compliance: Automatic exercise scheduling, transfer timing documentation, and event logging with timestamps

OnPoint service notes#

The Decision-Maker 6000 requires firmware updates and calibration during annual service. Our factory-certified technicians verify synchronization timing, load share balance, and communication bus integrity as part of every preventive maintenance visit. For paralleled systems, we validate that N+1 sequencing operates correctly by simulating individual unit failures during scheduled load bank testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Decision-Maker 6000 and Decision-Maker 3500?
The Decision-Maker 6000 is designed for large industrial paralleling systems with up to 8 gensets, offering BACnet and SNMP integration for building management systems, a color touchscreen interface, and advanced load management algorithms. The Decision-Maker 3500 targets mobile and mid-range commercial units with paralleling for up to 8 units on an isolated bus but without the BMS integration protocols or the advanced sequencing features of the 6000.
Can the Decision-Maker 6000 integrate with non-Kohler building management systems?
Yes. The Decision-Maker 6000 supports BACnet, SNMP, and Modbus TCP/RTU, allowing direct integration with Schneider EcoStruxure, Honeywell Niagara, Johnson Controls Metasys, and other standard BMS platforms. Event data, runtime hours, fuel levels, and alarm states are all available as BACnet objects or Modbus registers.
How does the Decision-Maker 6000 handle NFPA 110 Level 1 compliance?
The controller manages the full NFPA 110 sequence automatically: utility failure detection, engine start, voltage and frequency stabilization, and load transfer — all within the 10-second requirement. It logs every start event, transfer time, and load test result with timestamps for Joint Commission and AHJ documentation. Exercise scheduling with automatic reporting is built in.
Which Kohler generators use the Decision-Maker 6000?
The Decision-Maker 6000 is standard on KD-platform industrial diesel generators from the KD1000 through KD4000, and on large REOZ mobile units including the 1600REOZMD, 1750REOZMD, 2000REOZMD, 2000REOZDD, 2250REOZDD, 2500REOZDB, and 3250REOZD. It is also available as an upgrade option on mid-range REOZ commercial units.

Key Terms

Isochronous load sharing
A paralleling mode where all generators maintain the same frequency and share load proportionally based on their rated capacity, regardless of individual governor droop characteristics.
Isolated bus paralleling
A configuration where multiple generators synchronize and share load on a bus that is electrically isolated from the utility. The ATS transfers the building load to this bus as a single source.
N+1 redundancy
A reliability strategy using one more generator than required to carry the full load. If any single unit fails, the remaining units absorb the load without interruption.

Need service for the Kohler Decision-Maker 6000 Controller?

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