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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Zoom on the Cat RP12000 E

To sum up, the Cat RP12000 E is a powerful portable generator tailored for professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure..

Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.

Power & Run Time

The Cat RP12000 E

The Cat RP12000 E is powered by a 670 cc Rato OHV V-Twin engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 12,000W as well as a peak wattage of 15,000W.

This generator features a no-fuss and convenient 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.

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:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI

Two 120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacles

120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

Furthermore, it showcases 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.

This Cat generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. Besides, as the RP12000 E holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.

Portability

With dimensions of L35.7 x W32.7 x H35.8 in, the traditional open frame design of the Cat RP12000 E ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy 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. 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.

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 control panel of the RP12000 E is equipped with a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics, aiding in monitoring its status and activity. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.

The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.

In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Cat RP12000 E also comes with some accessories: funnel, tool kit, battery charger and oil are included.

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 Genmax GM12000XiT is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 194 pounds.
• In terms of run time, the RP12000 E surpasses similarly powerful devices, boasting one of the higher run times at around 11.7 hours. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Powerhorse 13000ES shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 15 hours.
• While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. This generator is somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 1.13 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the WEN TF1450X, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.68 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

The bottom line

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