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This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
If you were looking to purchase it, you may want to have a look at the Westinghouse WGen12000, which has similar specs.
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Description
Zoom on the Cat RP12000 E
In a nutshell, the Cat RP12000 E is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure.
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP12000 E
The Cat RP12000 E's engine, 670 cc Rato OHV V-Twin, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 12,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 15,000W.
This generator is started via a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
The RP12000 E can operate for around 11.7 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 1.13 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the RP12000 E generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 8 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
Even though this Cat generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, since the RP12000 E bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
Portability
The dimensions of the Cat RP12000 E, which are L35.7 x W32.7 x H35.8 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 350 pounds. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Further safety during transport, loading and unloading of the device is provided by a lift hook, which is placed on the top of the generator's frame.
Features
The RP12000 E's control panel
The RP12000 E and its control panel include a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Cat RP12000 E also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, oil, funnel and battery charger.
Emissions
The Cat RP12000 E is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Cat RP12000 E versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cat RP12000 E compare to generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).
- As its dry weight is 350 pounds, the Cat RP12000 E is one of the heavier of the products which can generate 10000 to 14000 running watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, with a dry weight of just 218 pounds.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 11.7 hours at 50% load, the RP12000 E benefits from a higher run time than many generators of a similar output. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Powerhorse 13000ES, with around 15 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator is not fuel efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 1.13 GPH at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.78 GPH, the A-iPower SUA13000EFI is a device you could look out for.
The bottom line
- Illuminated control panel
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- High run time
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (350 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 670 cc Rato OHV V-Twin |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 12,000 W |
| Starting watts | 15,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 100/50 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 125/62.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 11.7 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 13.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 350 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 35.7 x 32.7 x 35.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, battery charger, battery, and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | 502-3700 |
| UPC | 815683023891 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About Cat
Caterpillar Inc., often abbreviated as simply CAT, is an American engineering corporation, whose product range includes machinery, engines, financial products, mobile phones and of course, power generators. The company, founded in 1925, is one of the backbones of the US Dow Jones index and is placed among the Fortune 500 list. While CAT mainly focuses on industrial scale generators, it also provides a wide range of portable and household-scaled devices. CAT portable generators were engineered and designed in Mossville, Illinois, and Belfast, Northern Ireland. However, their production was outsourced to China.
Warranty Information
The Cat RP12000 E is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Cat generators, please consult Cat's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-PWR-ME-UP (844-797-6387).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 9592 W | 11092 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 9580 W | 9580 W |
What is the thd of this unit? (Asked April 28, 2020)
As indicated in the table above, the THD is <5%.
Who makes the cat rp12oooe engine (Asked January 30, 2021)
The engine is manufactured by Rato.
