Which Perkins engine powers which generator? Table from 13 to 2,000 kVA

Our water-cooled diesel generators use 13 Perkins engine families, from the 3-cylinder 403A (13 and 15 kVA prime) to the 16-cylinder 4016 (2,000 kVA prime). All 25 sets are three-phase, run at 1,500 rpm and 50 Hz, and deliver 400/230 V or 380/220 V. Each one pairs a Leroy-Somer alternator with a Deep Sea controller. The table below gives each engine's prime rating, standby rating, displacement and alternator.

How do you read a Perkins engine code?

The first number in the code is the engine family. The last two digits of that number give the number of cylinders: the 403A has 3 cylinders, the 1104C has 4, the 2506A has 6, the 4012 has 12 and the 4016 has 16.

The number in the code, after the hyphen (after the letter E on the 1506A, 2206A, 2506A and 2806A), reflects the displacement: in decilitres on the smaller engines (15 for 1.496 L, 88 for 8.8 L), in approximate litres on the larger ones (13 for 12.5 L, 61 for 61.123 L). The 4008-TAG2A carries none.

The letters that follow that number describe the air intake and the engine's intended use, according to the nomenclature Perkins publishes:

• T: turbocharged. With no T, the engine is naturally aspirated, like the 404A-22G1 or the 1103A-33G.
• A, right after the T: the charge air is cooled by an air-to-air cooler, as on the 1104C-44TAG2.
• W, right after the T: the charge air is cooled by water, as on the 4012-46TWG2A.
• G: the rating is set for generator use.

The R in 4016-61TRG2 is not in this list, and we do not decode it here. The other letters and the final digits distinguish versions within a family. The table gives each version's rating directly.

Full table: engine, ratings and alternator of the 25 sets

The table is sorted by increasing power. PRP is the prime rating and ESP the standby rating. The last column opens the generator's page.

* The 13 kVA set's datasheet gives 15 kVA and 11.4 kW standby, while 15 × 0.8 would give 12 kW. Ask us for the exact figure if it matters for your project.

The set sold as 450 kVA is rated 455 kVA prime on its datasheet. The 1,250 and 1,500 kVA sets are rated 1,253 and 1,505 kVA.

Prime power (PRP) is what a set can deliver for unlimited hours under a varying load, provided the average load over 24 h stays at about 70% of that value or less. Standby power (ESP) is for power cuts only, for a limited number of hours per year. Size on PRP: our guide Prime (PRP) vs Standby (ESP) Power: Which Rating Matters? explains why.

In the prime-rating columns, kW equals 0.8 times kVA. That is the 0.8 power factor explained in kVA vs kW: What Is the Difference for a Generator?.

Which engine families cover which power range?

Each engine family covers a power range. One family can power several sets: the 1106A-70 (7.01 L) powers our 135, 150, 180 and 200 kVA generators.

• 13 to 30 kVA: 403A (3 cylinders, 1.496 L), 404A (4 cylinders, 2.216 L) and 1103A-33G (3 cylinders, 3.3 L). All four engines (403A-15G1, 403A-15G2, 404A-22G1 and 1103A-33G) are naturally aspirated.
• 45 to 100 kVA: 1103A-33TG1 and 1103A-33TG2 (3 cylinders, 3.3 L, turbocharged), 1104A-44TG2 (4 cylinders, 4.4 L) and 1104C-44TAG2 (4 cylinders, 4.41 L).
• 135 to 200 kVA: four versions of the 6-cylinder 1106A-70.
• 300 to 600 kVA: 1506A-E88TAG5 (8.8 L), 2206A-E13 (12.5 L), 2506A-E15 (15.2 L) and 2806A-E18TAG1A (18.1 L), all with 6 cylinders.
• 750 to 2,000 kVA: 4006 (6 cylinders, 22.921 L), 4008 (8 cylinders, 30.561 L), 4012 (12 cylinders, 45.842 L) and 4016 (16 cylinders, 61.123 L).

The alternator changes with the set's rating. Up to 1,000 kVA, our sets have a Leroy-Somer TAL alternator. From 1,250 kVA, they have an LSA50.2 or an LSA51.2. Two sets of similar rating can share an alternator: the 180 and 200 kVA sets both use a TAL046B.

To choose, start from your load in kVA, add a margin for motor starting (pumps, air conditioners, compressors) and pick the first set whose prime rating is equal to or above that total. Our finder does this from your list of appliances: work out your generator size.

4008-30TAG2 or 4008-TAG2A: what is the difference between our two 1,000 kVA sets?

Our two 1,000 kVA sets share the rating and the engine family, but not the controller or the footprint. Both use a 4008 engine (8 cylinders, 30.561 L) and a Leroy-Somer TAL049E alternator. Both deliver 1,000 kVA (800 kW) prime and 1,100 kVA standby.

Deep Sea describes the DSE8610 as a synchronising and load-sharing module: our guide How to Read a Generator Datasheet compares the two controllers. The other 24 sets in the range use a DSE6010. If you plan to run several sets together, say so in your quote request. Also check the dimensions against the planned site and its access route.

Where can you find a set's full datasheet?

Each product page offers the full datasheet as a PDF. It gives fuel use, the noise level and, for both the soundproof and the open-frame version, dimensions, weight and, up to 600 kVA, tank capacity. To read the rest of the datasheet, see our guide How to Read a Generator Datasheet.

The whole range is on our water-cooled diesel generators page. The Perkins page lists all our Perkins-engine generators. For litres per hour, see our guide Diesel Generator Fuel Consumption.

We also handle installation, maintenance, after-sales service and spare parts: see our services. We deliver to the other provinces of the DRC, and generators are available for hire too: see generator rental.

Frequently asked questions

Which Perkins engine powers a 60 kVA generator?

The 1103A-33TG2, a 3.3 L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. Our 60 kVA generator delivers 60 kVA (48 kW) prime and 66 kVA standby. Its alternator is a Leroy-Somer TAL042H.

What rating does the Perkins 1104C-44TAG2 engine give?

On our set, it delivers 100 kVA (80 kW) prime and 110 kVA standby. It is a 4-cylinder, 4.41 L engine, paired with a Leroy-Somer TAL044D alternator and a Deep Sea DSE6010 controller.

Which generator uses the Perkins 403A-15G1 engine?

Our 13 kVA set, with 10.4 kW prime and 15 kVA standby. The engine has 3 cylinders and a displacement of 1.496 L. The 403A-15G2, with the same displacement, powers our 15 kVA prime set.

What is the difference between the 2206A-E13TAG2 and the 2206A-E13TAG3?

Both have 6 cylinders and a displacement of 12.5 L. The 2206A-E13TAG2 delivers 350 kVA (280 kW) prime, with a TAL046H alternator. The 2206A-E13TAG3 delivers 400 kVA (320 kW), with a TAL047A.

Do these sets suit electrical installations in the DRC?

Yes for voltage and frequency: all 25 sets are three-phase, produce 50 Hz, and their datasheets give 400/230 V or 380/220 V. They connect to the building through a changeover switch, never directly to the SNEL grid. Read our guide Installing a Generator Safely.

Ask for a quote

Send us the engine code or the rating you need on WhatsApp, at +243 903 005 060, or by email at info@mkenergies.com. Our team prepares a quote for you. You can also visit our showroom at No. 26, Av. des Huileries, opposite the INRB, in Gombe, Kinshasa. Price on request.

Sources: MK Energies & Services generator datasheets (Perkins engines, Leroy-Somer alternators, Deep Sea controllers), engine nomenclature published by Perkins, Deep Sea Electronics documentation.