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Powerhorse s12500t - 9500/12500W Tri Fuel Generator With Remote Start

The Powerhorse s12500t is a powerful open frame tri-fuel generator with a rated wattage of 9,500 W and a starting wattage of 12,500 W. (Read full specs)

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$1,199.99
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$1,199.99
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Description

Zoom on the Powerhorse s12500t

In a nutshell, the Powerhorse s12500t is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • Prudent homeowners who want a backup power source in case of a power outage
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.

Power & Run Time

The Powerhorse s12500t delivers 120/240V and features a tri-fuel technology, granting it the capability to utilize gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When utilizing gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 9,500W and a peak wattage of 12,500W. Upon switching to propane, it benefits from 8,550 rated watts and 11,250 peak watts. Transitioning to natural gas operation provides 7,125W of rated wattage and 9,375W of starting wattage.

At a noise rating of 97 dBA (which is pretty noisy), this generator provides the choice between a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery not included) for starting. Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the s12500t can also be remotely started (key fob included).

Regarding its running time, the s12500t, with a 6.6 gallons fuel capacity, can operate for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.73 GPH). When using propane, it can run for around 4.2 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.12 GPH).

The quite high THD (<23%) of the s12500t makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

Moreover, it comes equipped with 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.

With its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the s12500t is designed to be transfer switch ready, allowing easy connection to your breaker box for powering your home during a blackout.

Portability

At L29.3 x W26.7 x H26.4 in, the Powerhorse s12500t boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

Since the generator weighs 235 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Powerhorse s12500t

The s12500t's control panel

The s12500t's control center features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.

In addition to this info, a light indicator allows you to instantly see if the oil level is too low.

Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.

As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.

It also includes a carbon monoxide sensor. This sensor is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.

Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Powerhorse s12500t features extra accessories: tool kit, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, funnel, key fob and propane hose.

The Powerhorse s12500t versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powerhorse s12500t compare to multi-fuel generators of similar power (between 9000 and 10000 W).

  • Weighing in at 235 lbs, the Powerhorse s12500t is one of the heaviest multi-fuel generators available in the 9000-10000 rated wattage segment. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Westinghouse iGen11000DFc stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 187.4 pounds.
  • Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 97 dBA can be judged as noisy. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the DuroMax XP11000iH, whose lowest noise levels reach just 61 dBA.
  • At a 50% load, the s12500t offers around 9 hours of runtime on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among multi-fuel generators of similar power level. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Predator 13000, which is able to run for around 12.1 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 can be considered as fuel-efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.73 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen11000DFc, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.66 GPH.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 9000-10000W multi-fuel generators, the Powerhorse s12500t is on the average side of the price range.

Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Tri-fuel
  • CO sensor
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Remote start
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • Battery not included
  • On the heavy side (235 lbs)
  • On the noisy side (97 dBA)

Do you own the Powerhorse s12500t and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelTri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas)
Engine457 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric, Remote
Warranty2 years
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
Power
GasolineLPGNG
Running watts9,500 W8,550 W7,125 W
Starting watts12,500 W11,250 W9,375 W
Running amps (@120/240V)79.2/39.6 amps71.3/35.6 amps59.4/29.7 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)104.2/52.1 amps93.8/46.9 amps78.1/39.1 amps
Run time @50% load9 h4.2 hN/A
Run time @25% loadUnknownUnknownN/A
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
DC outlets2x 5V USB port (USB-A)
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tank6.6 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight235 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)29.3 x 26.7 x 26.4 in
Noise (lower limit)97 dBA
THD< 23%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedFunnel, tool kit, key fob, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, and wheel kit
Country of originVietnam
Other model numbers6075695

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.

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About Powerhorse

Powerhorse is a trademarked brand name of gas-powered outdoor products owned and distributed by the Northern Tool & Equipment Company Inc. through their store locations and online. Powerhorse outdoor products include gas- and electric-powered tools including pressure washers, wood chippers/shredders, log splitters, electric generators and inverters. The product line also offers engines and water pumps. The brand's motto is "Power You Can Depend On". Powerhorse generators are engineered, developed and tested in Minnesota, but manufactured in China or Vietnam.

Warranty Information

The Powerhorse s12500t 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 Powerhorse generators, please contact the Powerhorse Customer Support: 1-866-443-2576.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes dryer54006750
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total7572 W9047 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Electric fry pan15001500
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Radio100100
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total7595 W8185 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Disc sander12001200
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Bug zapper8080
Total7590 W12090 W

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