Overview#
The Cummins QSK19-G4 is a 550-kilowatt standby diesel generator built on Cummins' 19-liter inline-6 QSK engine — a purpose-built high-output platform in the Quantum series. At 550 kW standby and 500 kW prime (60 Hz), the QSK19 covers medium hospitals, large campuses, and major commercial facilities requiring reliable standby power in the 500-550 kW range.
The QSK19 uses the Cummins Modular Common Rail System (MCRS) fuel injection, delivering up to 1,600 bar injection pressure for precise control, superior efficiency, and advanced diagnostics. The CTT HX83 turbocharger and charge-air cooling system maintain consistent full-load performance. The 19-liter displacement in an inline-6 configuration provides high power density in a physically manageable package.
Technical Specifications#
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standby Rating | 550 kWe (688 kVA) |
| Prime Rating | 500 kWe (625 kVA) |
| Continuous Rating | 400 kWe (500 kVA) |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Engine Model | QSK19-G4 |
| Displacement | 19 liters |
| Configuration | Cast iron, inline-6 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged and aftercooled (air-air CAC) |
| Rated Speed | 1800 rpm |
| Starting Voltage | 24V |
| Battery Charging Alternator | 35 amps |
| Lube Oil Capacity | 84 liters |
| Flywheel | SAE 0 |
| Engine Length | 1695 mm |
| Engine Width | 985 mm |
| Engine Height | 1723 mm |
| Engine Dry Weight | 1,900 kg |
Fuel consumption at 1800 rpm (60 Hz):
| Power Level | Load % | L/hr |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 100 | 165 |
| Prime | 100 | 143 |
| Prime | 75 | 109 |
| Prime | 50 | 77 |
| Prime | 25 | 43 |
| Continuous | 100 | 118 |
Our Service Experience#
The QSK19 is a solid mid-large platform for hospital and campus accounts. The MCRS fuel system requires clean, high-quality diesel — fuel polishing and annual sampling are standard parts of our maintenance program for these units. The CTT HX83 turbocharger performs reliably but warrants inspection at major service intervals for bearing wear and shaft play.
Load bank testing at or near full rated output is critical: a 550 kW unit that hasn't been properly load-tested at full capacity may not perform as needed when an actual outage demands it. We include fuel quality sampling, MCRS injector health assessment (via InPower diagnostics), turbocharger inspection, and full load bank testing in every annual service.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What are the QSK19-G4 power ratings at 60 Hz? Standby (ESP): 550 kWe / 688 kVA. Prime (PRP): 500 kWe / 625 kVA. Continuous (COP): 400 kWe / 500 kVA. Gross engine standby output is 634 kWm (850 BHP) at 1800 rpm.
What fuel injection system does the QSK19 use? The Cummins Modular Common Rail System (MCRS), with electronic fuel pumps delivering up to 1,600 bar injection pressure. An electric priming pump is integrated with the off-engine stage-1 fuel filter head. Stage-2 fuel filters are mounted on-engine.
What turbocharger does the QSK19-G4 use? A Cummins Turbo Technologies (CTT) HX83 unit. Charge air cooling requires an air-to-air heat exchanger or charge-air cooler (CAC) to reduce intake manifold temperature and meet Tier 2 emissions requirements.
What are the engine dimensions and weight? Engine only: 1695 mm long x 985 mm wide x 1723 mm tall, dry weight 1,900 kg. Lube oil capacity is 84 liters.
Can the QSK19 support 4160V distribution? Yes. The QSK19 is available with a medium-voltage alternator for direct connection to 4.16 kV distribution systems, eliminating the need for a step-up transformer.
FAQ#
What is the standby rating of the Cummins QSK19?#
The Cummins QSK19-G4 is rated at 550 kW standby / 688 kVA at 0.8 power factor, 60 Hz, 1800 rpm. Prime rating is 500 kW / 625 kVA. Continuous rating is 400 kW / 500 kVA.
What engine does the Cummins QSK19 use?#
The QSK19 uses the Cummins QSK19-G4 — a 19-liter, inline-6-cylinder, turbocharged and aftercooled diesel with the Cummins Modular Common Rail System (MCRS) delivering up to 1,600 bar injection pressure. It is EPA Tier 2 certified for stationary emergency standby applications.
What are the service intervals for the Cummins QSK19?#
Oil and filter changes are due at 500 hours or 12 months. Fuel filter replacement is scheduled at 500-hour intervals. Air filter replacement is due at 1,000-hour intervals. Coolant change is recommended at 6,000 hours or 5 years. Annual load bank testing is recommended. Major overhaul interval is 40,000 hours under standard standby duty, reflecting the QSK series' industrial-grade durability.
Is the Cummins QSK19 EPA compliant?#
Yes. The QSK19-G4 is EPA Tier 2 certified for stationary emergency standby applications. Large stationary emergency generators over 560 kW are regulated under Tier 2 for emergency standby duty — no aftertreatment (DPF/SCR) is required.
Can the Cummins QSK19 be paralleled?#
Yes. The QSK19 with PowerCommand 3.3 controller supports genset-to-genset isochronous load sharing and automatic load demand sequencing. It is used in N+1 and 2N paralleling arrays for 1–3 MW facilities. Medium-voltage (4160V) configurations are available for direct connection to campus distribution systems.
What fuel type does the Cummins QSK19 use?#
The QSK19-G4 runs on diesel fuel. The MCRS fuel system requires clean, high-quality diesel — ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) is recommended. Annual fuel sampling is part of the standard maintenance program for QSK19 standby units.
What is the warranty on the Cummins QSK19?#
Standard Cummins warranty for new generator sets is 2 years or 2,000 hours for standby applications. Extended warranty options are available through Cummins authorized dealers.
