The Gillette SP-960 is a 96-kilowatt stationary natural gas (80 kW LPG) standby generator — a made-in-USA alternative to the Kohler KG100 and Generac SG series for commercial gaseous backup. It uses a PSI (Power Solutions International) 8.8L V8 engine with a Stamford alternator and Deep Sea Electronics DSE 7420 MKII controller — all industry-standard components rather than proprietary OEM platforms.
Gillette's value proposition is name-brand componentry from open-architecture suppliers (PSI, Stamford, DSE) assembled in the USA. For facilities that prefer non-proprietary parts and service, the SP-960 is a legitimate option.
PSI (Power Solutions International) specializes in industrial spark-ignition engines for the stationary power market. Their 8.8L V8 is purpose-built for generator duty:
Industrial governor with isochronous frequency regulation
Designed for natural gas and LP (not converted from diesel or automotive)
Electronic fuel injection for consistent air/fuel ratio across load range
Catalytic converter compatible for sites requiring additional emissions control
We encounter Gillette units less frequently than Kohler in our territory but they're serviceable with standard tools and readily-available parts. The PSI engine is well-documented and the DSE 7420 MKII controller is the same platform we see across many brands. The main consideration: parts inventory is not as immediately available as Kohler (no local dealer), so we recommend customers keep critical spares on-site (spark plugs, oil filters, battery).
Lock the enclosure, fuel system, transfer switch, and add-ons — we'll confirm pricing, availability, and lead time within one business day. Prefer a free-form quote? That option is still here.
Adjust load percent and tank size to estimate runtime. Pre-filled with this model's spec where available.
Estimate runtime on this tank
Fuel demand at 75% load
1,008,000 BTU/hr≈ 1008.0 cf/min @ 1,000 BTU/cf
On utility natural gas the runtime is generally unlimited provided the supply line and meter can deliver this BTU/hr at the engine's required inlet pressure (typically 5–14" WC residential, up to 5 psi commercial). Confirm against the OEM's published fuel-pressure spec.
Service intervals
Manufacturer-recommended intervals for the Gillette SP-960 under standby duty. Field intervals may differ based on load profile, ambient conditions, and fuel quality.
Oil & filter
Every 250 hours or 12 months
Coolant change
Every 4000 hours
Air filter
Every 1000 hours
Spark plugs
Every 1500 hours
Major overhaul
≈ 15,000 hours
Load bank test
Every 12 months
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.
Component
Symptom
Typical hours
Severity
Spark plugs / ignition
Misfire under load, hard starting
1,500+
minor
Battery
Failed to start during outage
8,760+
minor
Coolant system
Overtemp, coolant loss
6,000+
minor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gillette Generators?
Gillette is a US manufacturer (Elkhart, Indiana) that has built generators for over 60 years. They use industry-standard name-brand components (PSI engines, Stamford alternators, DSE controllers) assembled and load-tested in their facility. They compete in the commercial gap between residential brands (Generac) and premium OEMs (Kohler, Caterpillar).
How does the SP-960 compare to Kohler KG100?
Both are ~100 kW gaseous standby units at 1800 RPM with similar architectures. The SP-960 uses a PSI 8.8L V8 (vs Kohler's turbocharged I-6). The tradeoff: Kohler has a larger dealer network and parts ecosystem in Northern California.
What controller does the SP-960 use?
Deep Sea Electronics DSE 7420 MKII — an industry-standard auto mains failure controller with Modbus communication, digital metering, event logging, and remote monitoring capability. Same controller platform used across many generator brands.
Is the SP-960 NFPA 110 compliant?
Yes — the SP-960 is UL 2200 listed and configurable for NFPA 110 Level 1 when supplied with the required alarm contacts, battery monitoring, and fuel supply provisions.
100 kW commercial standby on NG/LP for mid-size commercial, multi-family, and light industrial with reliable gas supply.
100 kW gaseous-fueled commercial standby generator. Upper-mid-range industrial gaseous unit for larger commercial facilities on natural gas or propane.
