Overview#
The Cummins QSK50-G4 is a 1,500-kilowatt standby diesel generator built on the QSK V16 platform — Cummins' purpose-built high-horsepower engine series for the most demanding standby and prime power applications. At 50.3 liters across 16 cylinders, the QSK50 powers data centers, large hospital campuses, and mission-critical industrial facilities where reliable high-capacity standby is non-negotiable.
The QSK50-G4 uses the Cummins MCRS fuel injection (up to 1,600 bar), CTT HX82/HX83 turbocharging, and the Two-pump Two-loop (2P2L) cooling architecture that separates engine jacket and aftercooler circuits for higher power density and improved emissions compliance. The unit is EPA Tier 2 and TA Luft compliant. Medium-voltage alternator options from 4.16 kV through 13.8 kV allow direct connection to medium-voltage distribution systems.
Technical Specifications#
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standby Rating | 1500 kWe (1875 kVA) |
| Prime Rating | 1365 kWe (1706 kVA) |
| Continuous Rating | 1137 kWe (1421 kVA) |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Engine Model | QSK50-G4 |
| Displacement | 50.3 liters |
| Configuration | Cast iron, V-16 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged and aftercooled (2P2L) |
| Rated Speed | 1800 rpm |
| Starting Voltage | 24V |
| Battery Charging Alternator | 55 amps |
| Lube Oil Capacity | 235 liters |
| Coolant Capacity | 294 liters |
| Limiting Ambient Temp (60 Hz) | 50 °C |
| Engine Length | 4674 mm |
| Engine Width | 2468 mm |
| Engine Height | 3100 mm |
| Engine Dry Weight | 7,429 kg |
Fuel consumption at 1800 rpm (60 Hz):
| Power Level | Load % | L/hr |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 100 | 415 |
| Prime | 100 | 365 |
| Prime | 75 | 291 |
| Prime | 50 | 212 |
| Prime | 25 | 119 |
| Continuous | 100 | 313 |
Our Service Experience#
The QSK50 is a major-account platform — data centers, hospital campuses, and large industrial facilities. Our service visits combine scheduled maintenance (oil analysis, coolant sampling, turbo inspection, load bank testing) with system-level verification: transfer time testing, paralleling control validation, and fuel system integrity checks. At 1500 kW, fuel management and tank sizing are central to the facility's emergency plan, and we include fuel quality sampling in every service event.
The 2P2L cooling architecture requires independent verification of both cooling loops at each service. High-temperature jacket circuit and low-temperature aftercooler circuit must both be operating within spec for the engine to maintain rated output at elevated ambient temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What are the QSK50-G4 power ratings at 60 Hz? Standby (ESP): 1500 kWe / 1875 kVA. Prime (PRP): 1365 kWe / 1706 kVA. Continuous (COP): 1137 kWe / 1421 kVA. Gross engine standby output is 1656 kWm (2220 BHP) at 1800 rpm.
What fuel injection system does the QSK50-G4 use? The Cummins Modular Common Rail System (MCRS) with up to 1,600 bar injection pressure, CTT HX82/HX83 turbocharging, and Two-pump Two-loop (2P2L) cooling.
What turbochargers does the QSK50-G4 use? CTT HX82/HX83 units. Lube oil capacity 235 liters, coolant capacity 294 liters, limiting ambient 50 °C at 60 Hz.
What are the engine dimensions and weight? Engine only: 4674 mm long x 2468 mm wide x 3100 mm tall, dry weight 7,429 kg.
Is the QSK50 used in paralleling arrays? Yes. With PowerCommand paralleling controls, the QSK50 is a common platform for 3-10 MW facilities in N+1 or 2N configurations.
FAQ#
What is the standby rating of the Cummins QSK50?#
The Cummins QSK50-G4 is rated at 1,500 kW standby / 1,875 kVA at 0.8 power factor, 60 Hz, 1800 rpm. Prime rating is 1,365 kW / 1,706 kVA. Continuous rating is 1,137 kW / 1,421 kVA.
What engine does the Cummins QSK50 use?#
The QSK50 uses the Cummins QSK50-G4 — a 50.3-liter, V-16 cylinder, turbocharged and aftercooled diesel with the Cummins MCRS at up to 1,600 bar injection pressure and Two-pump Two-loop (2P2L) cooling. It is EPA Tier 2 and TA Luft compliant.
What are the service intervals for the Cummins QSK50?#
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.
Is the Cummins QSK50 EPA compliant?#
Yes. The QSK50-G4 is EPA Tier 2 and TA Luft compliant. 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 QSK50 be paralleled?#
Yes. The QSK50 with PowerCommand 3.3 controller is a standard building block for 3–10 MW paralleling arrays. Medium-voltage alternator options (4160V through 13800V) are available for direct connection to campus or utility distribution systems. N+1 and 2N configurations are common in data center deployments.
What fuel type does the Cummins QSK50 use?#
The QSK50-G4 runs on diesel fuel. The MCRS system requires clean, high-quality diesel — ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) is recommended. Fuel management including annual sampling and polishing assessment is part of the standard maintenance program at this power level.
What is the warranty on the Cummins QSK50?#
Standard Cummins warranty for new generator sets is 2 years or 2,000 hours for standby applications. Cummins Power Generation service agreements with extended coverage are available through authorized dealers.
