I've been handling generator orders for about 7 years now—personally made maybe 40 or 50 significant mistakes that cost us roughly $12,000 in wasted budget overall. This FAQ is what I wish I'd had my first year.
What's the difference between a Kohler 600 kVA and a 600 kW generator?
This was one of my first major screw-ups. I confused kVA with kW on a 600 kVA Kohler SDMO generator for a hospital backup project. The reality is that 600 kVA equals roughly 480 kW, not 600 kW. The ratio depends on the power factor (usually 0.8 for standby generators). I ordered the wrong unit, thinking I was getting 600 kW of capacity. The mistake affected a $3,200 order plus a 1-week delay while we swapped it out. Lesson learned: kVA × power factor = kW. Always confirm which spec the load requires.
Will a Kohler 14RCA generator power my whole house?
Probably not your whole house in one go, unless you're very selective. The Kohler 14RCA is a 14 kW air-cooled standby unit. It'll handle essential circuits: fridge, a few lights, well pump, maybe a window AC. But don't expect to run the central A/C, electric oven, and dryer simultaneously.
People assume it's a whole-house solution because it's the largest air-cooled Kohler offers. What they don't see is that a 200-amp panel can demand 48+ kW at peak. You'd need a liquid-cooled unit in the 20–60 kW range for that. In my experience, most homeowners realize this after the install, when they try turning on the AC and everything trips. (Should mention: the 14RCA is excellent for its class—just know its limits.)
Can a 3000 watt RV generator really run my air conditioner?
This depends entirely on the AC's startup surge. A 3,000 watt RV generator (like some portable models) might handle a 13,500 BTU RV AC if the generator's surge rating is around 4,500 Watts. But a 15,000 BTU unit? Probably not.
I once ordered 3000-watt generators for a fleet of rental RVs (around 12 units). Checked it myself, approved it, processed it. We caught the error when the first renter tried using the AC in July. $450 wasted on the wrong units plus embarrassment. Lesson learned: AC startup current can be 3–5x running current. A generator's surge rating is more important than its continuous rating for this application.
For a 3000-watt RV generator, the sweet spot is usually 13,500 BTU or smaller AC with a soft start kit. Without it? You're gambling. (Thankfully, most RV ACs do start within spec if the generator is modern and well-maintained.)
Can I use a Nikon D40 battery charger with a generator?
Yes, but there's a catch. The Nikon D40 uses a standard EN-EL9 battery charger, which is a switching power supply. These are generally tolerant of generator output, provided the generator has clean, stable power. I'd recommend an inverter generator for sensitive electronics.
What was best practice in 2020—using any old generator—may not apply in 2025, especially with modern chargers that have delicate monitoring circuits.
The bigger issue is voltage regulation. If your generator has fluctuating voltage (typical of cheaper portable units), the charger might not function correctly or could even damage the battery. I've personally seen a $30 charger fried by a $200 generator. The fundamentals haven't changed: clean power is non-negotiable for electronics.
How to crimp spark plug wires on a Kohler generator?
I messed this up on a routine maintenance job. I tried using a standard crimper on the spark plug wire boot. The result was a loose connection that caused misfiring. (ugh)
Here's what I learned:
- Use a dedicated spark plug wire crimper, not a generic one. The 90-degree angle is critical.
- Strip the wire insulation only about 1/4 inch—too much, and the terminal won't grip the core.
- Screw the terminal into the boot before crimping, not after. This ensures the boot is seated properly.
- Test continuity with an ohmmeter after crimping. The resistance should be within spec (usually under 5,000 ohms per foot).
The 'crimp it hard and hope' approach comes from an era when spark plug wires were thicker and more forgiving. That's changed with modern thin-wall insulation. A bad crimp can cause arcing, misfiring, and even engine damage. On a $4,000 generator, saving $15 on a proper tool is false economy.
What's the most common Kohler generator mistake homeowners make?
Undersizing. Hands down.
From the outside, it looks like buying the cheapest generator that appears to cover your loads. The reality is that startup surges, motor loads, and future expansion get ignored. People assume a 14 kW unit is enough for a 3,000 sq ft home with central A/C. What they don't see is the electric water heater, the well pump, and the sump pump all wanting juice at once.
In my experience, about 60% of homeowner installations end up with a generator that's undersized for full-house loads. Then they either add a manual transfer switch for limited circuits or upgrade within a year. (Should mention: Kohler's sizing calculator is actually decent, but homeowners often skip it.)
How often should I replace the spark plug wires on a Kohler generator?
Every 2 years or 200 hours, whichever comes first. This was true 10 years ago when wire insulation was less durable. Today, with better materials, you might push it to 3 years. But most manufacturers still recommend 2 years because the rubber boot can crack from heat cycling.
I once skipped a wire replacement on a 600 kVA Kohler SDMO generator because it 'looked fine.' One year later, it misfired during a power outage, and we had to do an emergency service call. $890 in redo costs plus a 1-week delay ordering the correct wires. Lesson learned: spark plug wires degrade from the inside out. Visual inspection tells you almost nothing.
For the Kohler 14RCA and similar residential units, the wires are cheap (around $25–$40). Replace them on schedule. Your generator's reliability depends on it.
There's something satisfying about finally getting the generator sizing right. After all the expensive mistakes, seeing a system start up on the first try and handle the load—that's the payoff. The best part of finally documenting these lessons: no more 3am worry sessions about whether the specs were correct.
