Cummins · Cummins D6 Commercial Diesel

Cummins C500 D6

500 kW standby / 450 kW prime · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

500 kW diesel standby generator with QSX15 inline-6 DOHC engine. EPA NSPS certified, PowerCommand control, liquid-cooled, for large commercial, industrial, and data center standby applications.

Cummins Cummins C500 D6 generator — specifications and details
Standby power
500 kW / 450 kW prime
Voltage options
277/480V, 120/208V
Frequency / Phase
60 Hz · 3-phase
Engine
Cummins QSX15 · 15L
EPA / Emissions
Tier 2
CommercialManufacturingData CentersHealthcare
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Overview#

The Cummins C500 D6 is a 500 kW standby diesel generator set powered by the QSX15 -- a 15-liter, inline-6-cylinder DOHC diesel engine. The QSX15 was the first heavy-duty diesel to feature 24-valve dual overhead camshaft technology, delivering high power density from 30% fewer parts while eliminating external lube, coolant, and fuel lines that are common leak and failure points on conventional engines.

Rated at 625 kVA standby and 563 kVA prime at 60 Hz, the C500 D6 represents the top of the QSX15 power band in the D6 lineup. It targets Tier III data centers, major hospitals, and large industrial facilities where 500 kW of standby power is required in a relatively compact single-engine package. The integrated Coolpac cooling package, PowerCommand controller, and Cummins alternator provide full vertical integration.

For sites requiring more than 500 kW, the next step up is the QSK19-powered C600 D6 at 600 kW, which moves to a larger displacement platform. The C500 D6 offers a more compact footprint and lower weight than the C600 D6, making it the preferred choice when 500 kW meets the load requirement.

Engineering specifications

Physical

Length
89 in
Width
52 in
Height
66 in
Dry weight
6,100 lb

Fuel system & runtime

Fuel use @ full load
35 GPH
Fuel use @ 75% load
26 GPH
Fuel use @ 50% load
18.5 GPH

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Estimate runtime for the Cummins C500 D6

Adjust load percent and tank size to estimate runtime. Pre-filled with this model's spec where available.

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Estimated runtime

7.4 hours(0.3 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 27.00 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 Cummins C500 D6 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
Fuel filter
Every 500 hours
Major overhaul
≈ 20,000 hours

Common failure modes

What we've seen fail on this platform. Use as a service-planning reference, not a diagnostic — actual failure modes depend heavily on duty cycle and maintenance history.

ComponentSymptomTypical hoursSeverity
High-pressure fuel injection systemRough running, smoke, power loss, hard starting—moderate
Holset HX82 turbochargerReduced power, oil in intake, excessive smoke—moderate
Fuel quality degradationFilter clogging, injector fouling from stagnant fuel—moderate
Battery banks (24V)Slow crank, failed start on standby units with low exercise—minor

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the Cummins C500 D6 use?
The C500 D6 uses the Cummins QSX15 -- a 15-liter, inline-6-cylinder DOHC diesel with 24-valve head design. This is the same engine family as the C450 D6, calibrated to deliver 500 kW at standby rating.
What are the standby and prime ratings of the C500 D6?
Standby rating is 500 kW (625 kVA) at 60 Hz, 0.8 power factor. Prime rating is 450 kW (563 kVA). Both at 1800 rpm, 60 Hz, three-phase.
What are the service intervals for the C500 D6?
Oil and filter changes are due at 500 hours or 12 months. Air filter replacement at 1,000-hour intervals. Fuel filter replacement at 500 hours. Coolant flush at 4,000 hours. Major overhaul interval is 20,000 hours under standard standby duty conditions.
How does the C500 D6 compare to the C600 D6?
The C500 D6 uses the QSX15 (15L, DOHC inline-6) while the C600 D6 steps up to the QSK19 (19L, inline-6) platform. The QSK19 is a larger, heavier engine with a more conservative power-to-displacement ratio at 600 kW. The QSX15 offers a more compact footprint for the 500 kW class.
Can OnPoint Generators service the C500 D6 in Northern California?
Yes. OnPoint Generators provides authorized Cummins service for large commercial diesel generators across the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. The QSX15 DOHC design simplifies valve adjustment and top-end service compared to pushrod engines in this power class.

Compatible equipment

Transfer switches

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