Overview#
The Cummins QSK38-G5 is a 1,160-kilowatt standby diesel generator built on the QSK V12 platform — a purpose-engineered high-horsepower engine series designed for mission-critical standby and prime power. The 37.7-liter V12 delivers 1160 kW standby with the reliability, MCRS fuel precision, and parts ecosystem that data center, hospital, and large campus applications require.
The QSK38 uses the Cummins Modular Common Rail System (MCRS) fuel injection operating at up to 1,600 bar, a Two-pump Two-loop (2P2L) cooling architecture that separates engine jacket and aftercooler circuits, and a 55-amp battery charging alternator for reliable 24V starting. Medium-voltage alternator options support direct connection to 4.16 kV through 13.8 kV distribution systems.
Technical Specifications#
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standby Rating | 1160 kWe (1450 kVA) |
| Prime Rating | 965 kWe (1206 kVA) |
| Continuous Rating | 800 kWe (1000 kVA) |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Engine Model | QSK38-G5 |
| Displacement | 37.7 liters |
| Configuration | Cast iron, V-12 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged and aftercooled (2P2L) |
| Rated Speed | 1800 rpm |
| Starting Voltage | 24V |
| Battery Charging Alternator | 55 amps |
| Lube Oil Capacity | 170 liters |
| Flywheel | SAE 0 |
| Engine Length | 2081 mm |
| Engine Width | 1492 mm |
| Engine Height | 1860 mm |
| Engine Dry Weight | 4,100 kg |
Fuel consumption at 1800 rpm (60 Hz):
| Power Level | Load % | L/hr |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 100 | 315 |
| Prime | 100 | 262 |
| Prime | 75 | 202 |
| Prime | 50 | 153 |
| Prime | 25 | 90 |
| Continuous | 100 | 223 |
Our Service Experience#
The QSK38 serves our largest institutional and commercial clients. Annual maintenance is comprehensive: oil and coolant analysis, MCRS injector health checks via InPower diagnostics, turbocharger inspection, 2P2L cooling system pressure testing, and load bank testing. The 2P2L cooling architecture requires attention to both cooling loops — high-temperature jacket circuit and low-temperature aftercooler circuit must both be verified independently.
Fuel quality and tank management are critical at this power level — we include fuel sampling and polishing assessment in every scheduled service event. At 1160 kW, contaminated fuel will cause MCRS injector fouling far faster than on smaller engines.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What are the QSK38-G5 power ratings at 60 Hz? Standby (ESP): 1160 kWe / 1450 kVA. Prime (PRP): 965 kWe / 1206 kVA. Continuous (COP): 800 kWe / 1000 kVA. Gross engine standby output is 1279 kWm (1715 BHP) at 1800 rpm.
What fuel injection system does the QSK38-G5 use? The Cummins Modular Common Rail System (MCRS), with electronic fuel pumps delivering up to 1,600 bar injection pressure. Electric priming pump integrated with off-engine stage-1 fuel filter; stage-2 filters on-engine.
What is the QSK38's cooling system? Low Temperature After-cooling with a Two-pump Two-loop (2P2L) design — separate high-temperature and low-temperature cooling circuits for the engine jacket and aftercooler respectively.
What are the engine dimensions and weight? Engine only: 2081 mm long x 1492 mm wide x 1860 mm tall, dry weight 4,100 kg. Lube oil capacity is 170 liters.
What medium-voltage configurations are available? 4160V, 12470V, 13200V, and 13800V medium-voltage alternator options, plus 480V and 600V low-voltage.
FAQ#
What is the standby rating of the Cummins QSK38?#
The Cummins QSK38-G5 is rated at 1,160 kW standby / 1,450 kVA at 0.8 power factor, 60 Hz, 1800 rpm. Prime rating is 965 kW / 1,206 kVA. Continuous rating is 800 kW / 1,000 kVA.
What engine does the Cummins QSK38 use?#
The QSK38 uses the Cummins QSK38-G5 — a 37.7-liter, V-12 cylinder, turbocharged and aftercooled diesel with the Cummins Modular Common Rail System (MCRS) at up to 1,600 bar injection pressure and Two-pump Two-loop (2P2L) low-temperature after-cooling. It is EPA Tier 2 certified.
What are the service intervals for the Cummins QSK38?#
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, consistent with the QSK series' industrial-grade design life.
Is the Cummins QSK38 EPA compliant?#
Yes. The QSK38-G5 is EPA Tier 2 certified. Large stationary emergency generators at this power level are regulated under Tier 2 for emergency standby duty — no aftertreatment (DPF/SCR) is required.
Can the Cummins QSK38 be paralleled?#
Yes. The QSK38 with PowerCommand 3.3 controller supports genset-to-genset isochronous load sharing. It is a standard building block for 2–5 MW N+1 paralleling arrays at data centers and large hospitals. Medium-voltage alternator options (4160V through 13800V) allow direct connection to campus distribution systems.
What fuel type does the Cummins QSK38 use?#
The QSK38-G5 runs on diesel fuel. The MCRS system requires clean, high-quality diesel — ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) is recommended. Annual fuel sampling and polishing assessment are part of the standard maintenance program.
What is the warranty on the Cummins QSK38?#
Standard Cummins warranty for new generator sets is 2 years or 2,000 hours for standby applications. Extended warranty and PowerGen service agreements are available through Cummins authorized dealers.
