Overview#
The Caterpillar C13 ACERT is a 350 kW standby diesel generator designed for commercial, healthcare, and telecom applications that require modern emissions compliance alongside proven Cat reliability. Displacing 12.5 liters in an inline-6 configuration with a 130 mm x 157 mm bore and stroke, the C13 meets EPA Tier 3 standards -- an advantage in California air basins where air quality management districts impose stricter operational limits on stationary emergency engines.
The C13 delivers 350 ekW standby (437.5 kVA) and 320 ekW prime at 60 Hz, 480V, 0.8 power factor. The fuel system is MEUI (Mechanically-actuated Electronically-controlled Unit Injection) governed by Cat's ADEM A4 electronic governor, which provides precise fuel delivery and excellent transient load response without the complexity of common-rail high-pressure injection. The generator set accepts 100% rated load in one step per NFPA 110 and meets ISO 8528-5 transient response requirements.
Standard equipment includes the EMCP 4.2 controller platform, package-mounted radiator, 24V electric starting motor, and rubber anti-vibration mounts. The C13 is an active Cat product with full factory and dealer support, available in enclosures from open-skid through weather-protective steel.
Technical Specifications#
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standby rating | 350 ekW / 437.5 kVA |
| Prime rating | 320 ekW / 400 kVA |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Speed | 1800 rpm |
| Voltage | 480V (other voltages available) |
| Engine model | Cat C13 ACERT |
| Displacement | 12.5 L (763 in³) |
| Bore x stroke | 130 mm x 157 mm (5.1 in x 6.2 in) |
| Compression ratio | 16.3:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged Air-to-Air Aftercooled |
| Fuel injection | MEUI |
| Governor | ADEM A4 |
| Emissions | EPA Tier 3 (Stationary Emergency) |
| Fuel consumption @ 100% load (standby) | 24.9 gal/hr (94.3 L/hr) |
| Fuel consumption @ 75% load (standby) | 21.6 gal/hr (81.9 L/hr) |
| Fuel consumption @ 50% load (standby) | 15.9 gal/hr (60.2 L/hr) |
| Combustion air flow | 874.4 cfm at full load |
| Exhaust gas temperature | 1060 degrees F at full load |
| Alternator frame | LC6114B |
| Motor starting @ 30% voltage dip | 880 skVA |
| Controller | EMCP 4.2 standard |
Our Service Experience#
We have deployed and serviced C13 units across commercial and healthcare sites in the Bay Area. The Tier 3 ACERT engine is clean-running and responds well to standard Cat ACERT service intervals. The 12.5-liter MEUI fuel system is reliable but demands clean fuel -- in standby installations where the unit runs infrequently, fuel quality management (polishing and biocide treatment) is the single most important maintenance task alongside battery health.
The C13's exhaust gas flow rate of 2,591 cfm at full load is important for exhaust system sizing; installers should verify exhaust backpressure stays below the 40 in. water maximum. We use Cat ET diagnostic software for controller interrogation and ADEM A4 fault code reading. Cat S-O-S fluid analysis is strongly recommended for trending wear metals between the low run-hour intervals typical of standby duty.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What are the power ratings for the Caterpillar C13 generator? The Cat C13 ACERT generator is rated at 350 ekW (437.5 kVA) standby and 320 ekW (400 kVA) prime at 60 Hz / 1800 rpm / 480V / 0.8 power factor.
What engine does the Cat C13 use? The C13 ACERT -- a 12.5-liter (763 in³) inline-6, four-stroke turbocharged air-to-air aftercooled diesel with a 130 mm x 157 mm bore and stroke and 16.3:1 compression ratio. It uses MEUI fuel injection with an ADEM A4 electronic governor. EPA Tier 3 certified for stationary emergency use.
What is the fuel consumption of the Cat C13 generator? At the 350 ekW standby rating, the C13 ACERT consumes 24.9 gal/hr at 100% load, 21.6 gal/hr at 75% load, and 15.9 gal/hr at 50% load on No. 2 diesel fuel.
What emissions tier is the Caterpillar C13 generator? The C13 ACERT meets EPA Tier 3 emissions requirements for stationary emergency use, which positions it well for California air basin installations with stricter AQMD requirements.
Is the C13 a good fit for telecom and healthcare applications? Yes. The C13 ACERT's 350 kW standby rating, Tier 3 compliance, and active Cat support status make it well-suited for telecom central offices, medium hospital buildings, and mid-size commercial facilities.
