Perkins 4012-46TAG2A Genset Engine – 1505–1661 kVA

The Perkins 4012-46TAG2A is a 45.842-litre V12 diesel engine for high-output generator sets operating at 1500 rpm / 50 Hz or 1800 rpm / 60 Hz. The principal DGBM8529 / DGBM1019 configuration is rated at 1505 kVA prime and 1657 kVA standby at 1500 rpm, or 1511 kVA prime and 1661 kVA standby at 1800 rpm.

This configuration combines turbocharging, air-to-air charge cooling, individual four-valve cylinder heads and unit fuel injection. Fuel delivery is managed through an actuator and electronic governor rather than a full engine-mounted ECM. Before quotation, confirm the complete Build List, Engine Serial Number, rated speed, cooling package, fuel-oil cooling requirement and supply scope.

4012-46TAG2A Power Ratings

The principal DGBM8529 / DGBM1019 Build List family supports both standard generator frequencies. The 50 Hz and 60 Hz ratings are close, but they are separate released operating points and should be quoted with the correct engine speed.

The published electrical outputs use an implied power factor of 0.8. Final generator-set output may vary with alternator efficiency, winding configuration, temperature rise, site altitude, ambient temperature and package losses.

Dual-Speed Engine Does Not Mean Automatic Frequency Conversion

The engine Build List supports 1500 rpm and 1800 rpm, but a complete 50 Hz generator set cannot be converted to 60 Hz by changing engine speed alone.

The alternator, winding, AVR, generator controller, governor setting, protection thresholds and connected electrical equipment must all support the selected frequency. Frequency conversion should therefore be treated as a complete generator-set engineering decision rather than a simple engine adjustment.

Mechanical and Electrical Output

Gross engine power, net engine power, generator kWe and generator kVA describe different points in the power chain. They should not be used interchangeably in technical or commercial quotations.

Prime and Standby Duty Selection

Prime and standby are different operating classifications. Prime power is intended for an approved regular or variable-load profile. Standby power is intended for emergency operation when the normal power source fails.

The higher standby figure should not be treated as the regular operating output. Annual hours, average load, overload allowance, expected outage duration and maintenance planning should be reviewed against the applicable Perkins rating documentation.

Main Build Lists: DGBM8529 and DGBM1019

DGBM8529 and DGBM1019 are the original Perkins Build List designations associated with the principal dual-speed configuration. DGB8529 and DGB1019 are the corresponding shortened designations used on engines from later production batches.

The complete Engine Serial Number remains necessary even when the Build List is known. It identifies the individual production record, cooling configuration, fuel-oil cooling option, factory-fitted accessories and component revisions.

Information to Record from the Engine Nameplate

• Complete engine model: 4012-46TAG2A
• Complete Build List beginning with DGB or DGBM
• Complete Engine Serial Number
• Configured rated speed
• Temperate or tropical cooling package
• Fuel-oil cooling option when fitted
• Electro unit or ElectropaK supply scope
• Original generator-set manufacturer and model

The nameplate is normally mounted on the rocker-cover or timing-case area. Use a clear photograph of the complete plate rather than relying on casting numbers found on individual engine components.

Other TAG2A Build Lists Require Separate Verification

The 4012-46TAG2A model name also appears on other E/P, E/U and India-specific Build Lists. The supplied material identifies their speed direction but does not provide confirmed prime or standby ratings for most of these versions.

The principal DGBM8529 / DGBM1019 ratings should not be assigned automatically to DGBM6004, DGBM6033, DGBM0052 or their India-specific variants. Each quotation should follow the rating documentation for the exact Build List.

Mechanical Injection with Electronic Governing

The 4012-46TAG2A uses mechanical unit fuel injection controlled by an actuator and electronic governor. It is not described as a fully electronic common-rail engine with a complete engine-mounted ECM.

This distinction affects generator-controller integration, diagnostics and spare-parts selection. Start, stop, protection, alarm and communication functions may depend on external wiring and the generator-set controller.

Mechanical Platform

The engine uses a 12-cylinder, 60-degree vee architecture with a displacement of 45.842 litres. It is turbocharged, air-to-air charge cooled and uses direct injection.

Air-to-Air Charge Cooling

The TAG2A uses an air-to-air charge cooler. Compressed intake air from the turbochargers passes through the charge cooler before entering the engine, reducing intake-air temperature and improving air density.

The effectiveness of this system depends on the approved radiator and charge-cooler package, cooling airflow, ambient temperature and enclosure pressure restriction. An air-to-air charge cooler should not be evaluated independently from the complete cooling package.

Temperate and Tropical Cooling Packages

Temperate and tropical cooling packages are available. The supplied data lists the same overall dimensions for both versions, but the tropical package has a slightly higher dry weight.

Selection should follow the maximum site ambient temperature, altitude, enclosure airflow and operating profile rather than the destination country name alone. Obtain the applicable general-arrangement drawing before finalizing the foundation, enclosure or transport plan.

Cooling Information Required Before Project Release

• Temperate or tropical cooling package
• Maximum site ambient temperature
• Site altitude and expected derating
• Radiator and charge-cooler configuration
• Cooling-air inlet area
• Hot-air discharge route
• Permitted enclosure pressure restriction
• Coolant specification and expansion arrangement

Fuel-Oil Cooling Option

The TAG2A may be configured with or without fuel-oil cooling. This option should not be assumed to be included in every engine package.

Confirm the fuel temperature, fuel-return arrangement, ambient conditions, additional piping and applicable option documentation before releasing the engine configuration.

Electro Unit and ElectropaK Supply Scope

Electro unit and ElectropaK describe different engine-package supply boundaries. Neither term should automatically be interpreted as a complete generator set.

The commercial quotation should include a written list of supplied and excluded equipment. Do not assume that the alternator, base frame, circuit breaker, enclosure or external fuel system is included with every ElectropaK.

Fuel Consumption at Prime Rating

The supplied information states a prime specific-fuel-consumption range of approximately 199–205 g/kWh at 1500 rpm across the stated 50–110% load range. At 1800 rpm, the stated range is approximately 206–215 g/kWh.

These figures are specific-consumption references rather than guaranteed litres-per-hour values. Actual fuel use depends on delivered electrical load, alternator efficiency, fuel density, ambient conditions and engine condition.

Installation Engineering

A V12 package in the 1.5–1.66 MVA output range requires foundation, access, airflow, exhaust and service planning before the generator room or enclosure is released.

Application Review

The 4012-46TAG2A may be evaluated for large prime and standby projects requiring either 50 Hz or 60 Hz power. Additional Perkins generator engine options should be compared by operating duty, load profile, cooling system and required electrical output.

Parallel Operation Requires Complete-System Approval

Generator sets using the 4012-46TAG2A may operate in parallel when the complete packages have compatible controllers, alternators, automatic voltage regulators, protection settings, synchronization equipment and governor interfaces.

Parallel capability is not established by the engine model or dual-speed Build List alone. Load sharing, breaker coordination, synchronization sequence and maximum load step must be validated by the generator-set integrator.

Service Planning

The applicable Perkins Operation and Maintenance Manual should define the exact oil, fuel, coolant and inspection tasks for the complete Build List and ESN. Service planning should also account for the large fluid capacities of the V12 platform.

Exhaust Aftertreatment and Destination Compliance

Exhaust aftertreatment is listed as N/A in the supplied specification. This indicates that no exhaust-aftertreatment system is stated in the listed engine configuration.

It does not confirm compliance with every regional emissions standard. Destination regulations, tender requirements and supporting emissions documentation must be reviewed before quotation or shipment.

Original Perkins Replacement Parts

The following references are listed as original Perkins components for the DGB/DGBM8529 Build List family. Additional Perkins engine parts can be reviewed by component category, but final identification must be based on the complete ESN.

Several components have more than one possible reference. Do not select parts by appearance, dimensions, casting numbers or the general 4012 model name. Confirm the complete DGB/DGBM Build List and ESN before releasing the final part number and quantity.

Procurement and Export Release

Availability should be confirmed at inquiry. The stated lead time is typically 3–4 weeks, and a quotation can be prepared within 24 hours after the configuration, quantity and delivery terms have been defined.

Warranty and Technical Claim Review

The stated warranty period is 12 months or the manufacturer-specified operating hours from the commissioning date, whichever occurs first. Final coverage should be confirmed against the ESN, operating duty and applicable warranty terms.

Conditions Outside Warranty Coverage

• Incorrect installation or improper commissioning
• Failure to follow the applicable Perkins Operation and Maintenance Manual
• Normal consumption of filters, belts, coolant and lubricants
• Damage caused by contaminated fuel or an incorrect lubricant specification
• Cooling-system neglect
• Unauthorised modifications or repairs during the warranty period
• Transit damage not reported within three working days of delivery

Information Required for Technical Review

• Complete Build List and ESN
• Current operating hours
• Configured rated speed and generator frequency
• Prime or standby application
• Fault description and operating conditions
• Available control-panel alarms
• Photographs and relevant commissioning or service records

The stated technical-review period is within two business days after the required evidence has been received. Depending on the assessment, the response may include replacement parts, coordinated repair support or an engine exchange.

After-Sales Support

• Technical inquiries by email or WhatsApp with a stated one-business-day response direction
• Parts identification for DGB/DGBM8529 configurations
• Operation and Maintenance Manual and wiring diagrams available on request
• Remote fault diagnosis by email or video call

Transit Damage Procedure

Inspect the shipment before signing the delivery receipt. Photograph visible damage before unpacking, record it on the receipt and notify the supplier within three working days. Do not commission a visibly damaged engine before the transport-damage report has been reviewed.

Perkins 4012-46TAG2A FAQ

Does the same engine support both 50 Hz and 60 Hz?

The principal DGBM8529 / DGBM1019 family supports 1500 rpm / 50 Hz and 1800 rpm / 60 Hz. The complete alternator and control package must also match the selected frequency.

Are DGBM8529 and DGBM1019 an original-and-updated pair?

No. Both are original valid Build Lists. DGB8529 and DGB1019 are the corresponding shortened later-batch designations.

Do all TAG2A Build Lists carry the same ratings?

No. The 1505/1657 kVA and 1511/1661 kVA ratings are confirmed for DGBM8529 / DGBM1019. Output is not provided for several other TAG2A Build Lists.

Is the engine controlled by a full ECM?

No full engine ECM is stated. Mechanical unit injection is controlled through an actuator and electronic governor.

How do the temperate and tropical packages differ?

Both are listed at 2269 × 3915 × 2200 mm. The temperate package has a stated dry weight of 5663 kg, while the tropical package is listed at 5690 kg.

Is fuel-oil cooling included as standard?

Not necessarily. The engine can be configured with or without fuel-oil cooling. Confirm the option in the quotation and Build List.

What is the stated prime fuel-consumption range?

The supplied information states approximately 199–205 g/kWh at 1500 rpm and 206–215 g/kWh at 1800 rpm across the referenced prime load range.

Does N/A aftertreatment confirm emissions compliance?

No. It indicates that no exhaust-aftertreatment system is stated in the supplied configuration. Destination requirements must still be confirmed.

What information is required for a quotation?

Provide the complete Build List, ESN, rated speed, frequency, duty, cooling package, fuel-oil cooling requirement, supply scope, alternator information, quantity, destination and required documents.

Request a 4012-46TAG2A Configuration Review

Submit the following through the engine inquiry and quotation page:

• Complete DGB or DGBM Build List
• Complete ESN or a clear nameplate photograph
• Required speed: 1500 rpm or 1800 rpm
• Required frequency: 50 Hz or 60 Hz
• Prime or standby duty requirement
• Temperate or tropical cooling package
• Fuel-oil cooling requirement
• Electro unit or ElectropaK supply scope
• Governor, actuator and control-panel information
• Alternator model, output voltage and power factor
• Maximum site temperature and altitude
• Original generator-set manufacturer and model for replacement projects
• Quantity, delivery terms and destination port
• Required emissions, export, test and warranty documentation