The Cat RP12000 E is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 12,000 W and a starting wattage of 15,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Cat RP12000 E
In short, the Cat RP12000 E is a powerful portable generator adequately designed for professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure..
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP12000 E
Running on gasoline, the Cat RP12000 E utilizes a 670 cc Rato OHV V-Twin engine to deliver 120/240V, offering a running wattage of 12,000W and a starting wattage of 15,000W.
This generator is started via a user-friendly and hassle-free electric starter (battery included).
With a fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons, the RP12000 E can run for around 11.7 hours at 50% load when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 1.13 gallons per hour).
The RP12000 E generates a clean sine wave: providing <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel features 8 AC outlets as follows:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease.
Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this Cat generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RP12000 E is designed to be transfer switch ready, allowing easy connection to your breaker box for powering your home during a blackout.
Portability
Measuring L35.7 x W32.7 x H35.8 in, the Cat RP12000 E showcases a classic open frame layout, guaranteeing stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Despite its 350 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. Despite the restricted maneuverability, its wheel kit and its folding handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.
Features
The RP12000 E's control panel
Included in the control panel of the RP12000 E are a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics, essential for monitoring its status and activity. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
With its built-in fuel gauge, the generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during use.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Cat RP12000 E ships with supplementary accessories: tool kit, oil, battery charger and funnel.
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).
- At 350 lbs, the Cat RP12000 E stands out as one of the heavier generators rated from 10000 to 14000 watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the DuroStar DS13000MX is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 209 pounds.
- As the RP12000 E features an autonomy of around 11.7 hours at 50% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its power range. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Powerhorse 13000ES, as it provides 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. In fact, this generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 1.13 GPH. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the WEN TF1450, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.68 GPH, could be an option to consider.
The bottom line
- Illuminated control panel
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Impressive quantity of AC outlets
- 4 different AC outlet types
- 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 9587 W | 11062 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.
