Cat RP12000 E (Discontinued)
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
The best choice when the job calls for power. The Cat RP12000 E delivers 12kW of long-lasting power for heavy duty applications in a balanced, fuss-free design. The RP12000 E is perfect for the small contractor or homeowner with big power needs who also wants premium features and the flexibility of a portable generator. Built with a 670cc V-Twin OHV motor, Low Harmonic Distortion all copper generator and premium control panel, this generator delivers durable, quality power.
Zoom on the Cat RP12000 E
In a few words, the Cat RP12000 E is a powerful portable generator perfectly suited for professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment..
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP12000 E
With a 670 cc Rato OHV V-Twin engine, the Cat RP12000 E operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 12,000W and a starting wattage of 15,000W.
This generator gets running thanks to a convenient and efficient electric starter (battery included).
With a full tank, the RP12000 E can operate for around 11.7 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 1.13 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons.
The RP12000 E generates a clean sine wave with <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring minimal electrical noise and fluctuations. This feature makes it ideal for powering sensitive electronics, providing stable and reliable AC power through the outlets.
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 with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Cat generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RP12000 E is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.
Portability
Measuring L35.7 x W32.7 x H35.8 in, the classic open frame build of the Cat RP12000 E delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
With a weight of 350 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed 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
To help you monitor the RP12000 E's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. 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.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Cat RP12000 E, the following accessories are also included: tool kit, battery charger, funnel and oil.
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 a dry weight of 350 pounds, the Cat RP12000 E is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 10000 and 14000 running watts. If you are mindful of weight, the DuroStar DS13000MX is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 209 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 runtime is a priority for you, the Powerhorse 13000ES stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 15 hours of continuous use.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel-efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 1.13 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the WEN TF1450X, with a fuel consumption of 0.68 GPH could be in your good books.
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
Do you own the Cat RP12000 E and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
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 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 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.
