CCEC QSNT Generator Drive Engine — 14L Inline-6 Electronic Diesel, 358–407 kW
The CCEC QSNT series is the electronically governed evolution of the legendary NT855 platform — a 6-cylinder inline, four-stroke, 14-liter diesel built by Chongqing Cummins Engine Co. (CCEC). It pairs the proven Cummins PT fuel system with electronic governing, turbocharging and charge-air cooling, delivering 358–407 kW prime power (approximately 448–509 kVA at 0.8 power factor) across 50 Hz (1500 RPM) and 60 Hz (1800 RPM) ratings, with EURO II emissions compliance. Compact at just 1,460 kg dry weight, the QSNT is the sweet-spot engine for 400–500 kVA generator sets in commercial buildings, telecom, small industrial plants, and rental fleets — and the electronic upgrade of the mechanical NT855.
QSNT Generator Engine Models
CCEC produces the QSNT in G3 and G4 ratings covering 50 Hz and 60 Hz. Ratings below are published engine prime outputs as listed on the factory rating sheet, with genset kVA shown at 0.8 power factor for reference. Each model carries a specific performance curve for genset OEM integration.
50 Hz Models (1500 RPM)
| Engine Model | Prime Power | ≈ Genset kVA (0.8 PF) | RPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| QSNT-G3-A | 358 kW (480 HP) | ~448 kVA | 1500 |
| QSNT-G4 | 407 kW (545 HP) | ~509 kVA | 1500 |
| QSNT-G4X | 407 kW (545 HP) | ~509 kVA | 1500 |
60 Hz Models (1800 RPM)
| Engine Model | Prime Power | ≈ Genset kVA (0.8 PF) | RPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| QSNT-G3-B | 358 kW (480 HP) | ~448 kVA | 1800 |
Core Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-cycle, 6-cylinder inline |
| Displacement | 14.0 L (~855 in³) |
| Bore × Stroke | 140 mm × 152 mm (5.5 in × 6.0 in) |
| Rated Speed | 1,500 – 1,800 RPM |
| Frequency | 50 Hz / 60 Hz |
| Fuel System | Cummins PT fuel system with electronic governing |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with charge-air cooling (T / TA / TAA configurations) |
| Emissions | EURO II |
| Prime Power Range | 358 – 407 kW @ 1,500 – 1,800 RPM |
| Genset Output Range | ~448 – 509 kVA prime (at 0.8 PF) |
| Dry Weight | 1,460 kg |
| Packing Size (L × W × H) | 1,534 × 781 × 1,355 mm |
| Starting System | 24V, negative ground |
| Manufacturer | CCEC (Chongqing Cummins Engine Co., Ltd.) |
Key Engineering Features
Electronic Governing on a Proven PT Platform
The QSNT keeps the world-famous Cummins PT (Pressure-Time) fuel system — celebrated for its tolerance of variable fuel quality — but adds electronic governing for tighter speed regulation, faster load acceptance, and cleaner integration with modern genset controllers and paralleling switchgear.
Turbocharged & Charge-Air Cooled
Turbocharging with water-air (TA) or air-air (TAA) charge cooling delivers dense intake air for strong power density from a compact 14-liter block, while keeping combustion temperatures and emissions in check for EURO II compliance.
Compact & Lightweight
At just 1,460 kg dry and 1,534 mm long, the inline-six QSNT fits where V-engine and larger-displacement alternatives cannot — ideal for skid-mounted and containerized 400–500 kVA sets with tight enclosure space.
Full-Lifecycle CCEC Support
CCEC backs the QSNT with design and power-system supply, installation and commissioning support, after-sales service training, genuine spare parts supply, and troubleshooting and overhaul assistance through its global service network.
Because the QSNT shares its bottom end with the decades-proven NT855 — one of the most numerous diesel engines ever built — parts availability and mechanic familiarity are outstanding in every market Cummins serves. It is the natural electronic step up from the mechanical NT855, and a larger-displacement alternative to the 11-liter M11.
Fuel Consumption (Typical)
Fuel is 70–80% of a generator set’s lifetime operating cost. The figures below are typical estimates for a QSNT-class 14-liter inline-six engine at rated speed; exact values vary by model rating, alternator efficiency, ambient conditions, and fuel quality. Request the factory fuel map for your specific model before finalizing a project.
| Load Point | Typical Power (kW) | Fuel Consumption (L/hr, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Prime (100%) | ~400 | ~105 |
| Prime (75%) | ~300 | ~80 |
| Prime (50%) | ~200 | ~56 |
| Standby (100%) | ~440 | ~115 |
Generators run most efficiently at 70–80% load. Running a QSNT below 30% load for extended periods causes wet stacking and accelerates carbon buildup. If your continuous load is under ~300 kVA, the smaller M11 burns less fuel; above ~550 kVA, step up to the KTA19 or QSK19 class.
QSNT vs NT855 vs M11: Selection Guide
The QSNT sits in the popular 400–500 kVA class — electronic where the NT855 is mechanical, and larger-displacement than the M11. Here is how the three compare.
| Feature | M11 | QSNT (Electronic NT) | NT855 (Mechanical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 10.8 L | 14.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Cylinders | 6 inline | 6 inline | 6 inline |
| Fuel System | PT / electronic options | PT with electronic governing | PT mechanical |
| Emissions | Tier 2 / Stage II class | EURO II | Pre-EURO / EURO I class |
| Prime Power Range | ~250 – 335 kW | 358 – 407 kW | ~250 – 360 kW |
| Genset kVA Range | ~300 – 420 kVA | ~448 – 509 kVA | ~300 – 450 kVA |
| Dry Weight | ~1,150 kg class | 1,460 kg | ~1,350 – 1,500 kg |
| Best For | 300–400 kVA, compact value | 400–500 kVA, electronic control | 300–450 kVA, mechanical simplicity |
Choose the QSNT when you need 400–500 kVA with electronic governing, tighter frequency regulation, and EURO II compliance — on the most proven 14-liter platform in the industry. Choose the NT855 for pure mechanical simplicity in less-regulated markets, and the M11 for lighter, more fuel-efficient 300–400 kVA sets. For the full mechanical lineup comparison, see our NTA855 vs KTA19 vs KTA38 vs KTA50 comparison guide.
Typical Applications
- Commercial buildings — standby power for hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, offices, and data rooms in the 400–500 kVA class.
- Telecom & data — base stations, edge data centers, and telecom hubs requiring reliable governed backup.
- Small & medium industry — factories, food processing plants, textile mills, and workshops with 350–450 kW backup needs.
- Rental fleets — compact, lightweight skid-mounted sets for construction sites, events, and disaster relief.
- Prime power — remote sites — villages, farms, mines, and island locations where the grid is absent or unreliable.
- Infrastructure — airports, railways, water treatment plants, and port facilities needing dependable mid-range standby.
Genuine QSNT Spare Parts
The QSNT shares the vast NT855 parts pool — one of the broadest and most available in the Cummins range worldwide. We supply the full range of QSNT and NT855 spare parts: PT fuel system components, injectors, turbochargers, fuel and oil filters, water pumps, liners, pistons, bearings, gaskets, and overhaul kits. Browse the full Cummins engine parts center or send us your parts list for a quotation.
Maintenance & Service
| Service Item | Interval (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 250–500 hours | API CH-4/CI-4 or higher, 15W-40; use genuine Fleetguard filters |
| Fuel filters / water separator | 500 hours | Drain water regularly; PT system tolerates variable fuel quality but clean fuel extends injector life |
| Air filter | Inspect 500 h / replace as indicated | Dry element with restriction indicator |
| Coolant / SCA check | 500 hours | Maintain DCA concentration; check charge-air cooler circuit |
| Valve lash adjustment | 2,000 hours / 2 years | Cold setting per CCEC/Cummins manual |
| Electronic governor / diagnostic check | At each service | Read fault codes via Cummins diagnostic tool |
| Major overhaul | 15,000–20,000+ hours | Wet liners replaceable; depends on duty cycle |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the QSNT and NT855?
Both are 14-liter, 6-cylinder inline engines on the same proven NT platform with the Cummins PT fuel system. The QSNT adds electronic governing for tighter speed regulation, faster load acceptance, and better integration with modern genset controllers, and it meets EURO II emissions. The mechanical NT855 remains popular in markets where pure mechanical simplicity and widest fuel tolerance are preferred. Most bottom-end and service parts are shared between the two.
What genset kVA does the QSNT produce?
The QSNT-G3 (A and B) produces 358 kW prime — approximately 448 kVA at 0.8 power factor — in both 50 Hz (1500 RPM) and 60 Hz (1800 RPM). The QSNT-G4 and G4X produce 407 kW prime, approximately 509 kVA, at 50 Hz. This puts the QSNT squarely in the popular 400–500 kVA genset class.
What do the model suffixes -A, -B, and G4X mean?
The -A suffix denotes a 1,500 RPM / 50 Hz configuration and -B denotes 1,800 RPM / 60 Hz. The G4X is a 50 Hz, 407 kW rating variant of the G4 with a specific performance curve for genset OEM integration. Aspiration codes across the family are T (turbocharged), TA (turbocharged with water-air intercooler), and TAA (turbocharged with air-air aftercooler).
Is the QSNT compatible with the NT855 for parts?
Yes — the QSNT is built on the NT855 platform, so the vast majority of mechanical components (block, crankshaft, liners, pistons, bearings, filters, turbocharger) cross-reference directly. The electronic governing components and associated sensors are QSNT-specific and not interchangeable with a purely mechanical NT855.
Which applications is the QSNT best suited for?
It is ideal for 400–500 kVA generator sets in commercial buildings (hotels, hospitals, malls), telecom and edge data facilities, small and medium industry, rental fleets, remote prime-power sites, and infrastructure backup. Its compact 1,460 kg inline-six package and electronic governing make it especially popular for containerized and skid-mounted sets.
What is the lead time for a QSNT generator engine?
Bare engines typically ship within 10–25 working days. Complete open, silent, or containerized generator sets require 20–40 days depending on alternator brand, controller, enclosure, and destination. We ship worldwide by sea (FOB/CIF/DAP) and can arrange air freight for urgent orders.
Official Resources
Genuine Cummins parts and service information: parts.cummins.com — or browse our full CCEC generator engine lineup.
