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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Description
Zoom on the Powerhorse s12500t
In summary, the Powerhorse s12500t is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:
- Prudent homeowners who want a full backup power source in case of a power outage
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- 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 Powerhorse s12500t delivers 120/240V and is equipped with a tri-fuel technology, enabling it to operate on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When powered by gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 9,500W and a peak wattage of 12,500W. Switching to propane provides 8,550 rated watts and 11,250 peak watts, while natural gas operation delivers 7,125W of rated wattage and 9,375W of starting wattage.
Enjoying a noise rating of 97 dBA (which is pretty noisy), this generator offers the versatility of starting with either a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery not included). Additionally, the s12500t features remote starting, offering users increased convenience (key fob included).
Regarding its running time, the s12500t, with a 6.6 gallons fuel tank, can operate for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.73 gallons per hour). It also offers around 4.2 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.12 GPH) of operation when using propane.
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the s12500t is not recommended due to its high THD (<23%).
Outlets
The control panel features 6 AC outlets as follows:
Moreover, it presents 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) enabling convenient charging of devices like mobile phones and tablets.
Since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the s12500t is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.
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 design is ideal for rough 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 235 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.
Features
Integrated into the control center of the s12500t are a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics, facilitating the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will notify you if the oil level is too low.
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 automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its use.
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.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Powerhorse s12500t also comes with some accessories: natural gas hose with NPT adapter, tool kit, key fob, propane hose and funnel are included.
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).
- With its weight of 235 lbs, the Powerhorse s12500t is one of the heavier multi-fuel generators in the 9000-10000 rated wattage category. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Westinghouse iGen11000DFc, weighing just 187.4 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest noise level at 97 dBA, is noisier than most generators of comparable running wattage. If you are concerned with noise, check out the DuroMax XP11000iHT, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 61 dBA.
- With a runtime of around 9 hours under a 50% load on a full tank, the s12500t falls within the average autonomy range among the multi-fuel generators of a similar power. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Westinghouse iGen11000DFc could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 12 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. With a fuel consumption rate around 0.73 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse iGen11000DFc is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.66 gallons per hour.
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 cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Tri-fuel
- CO sensor
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Remote start
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- Battery not included
- On the heavy side (235 lbs)
- On the noisy side (97 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Tri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas) |
| Engine | 457 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
| Gasoline | LPG | NG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 9,500 W | 8,550 W | 7,125 W |
| Starting watts | 12,500 W | 11,250 W | 9,375 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 79.2/39.6 amps | 71.3/35.6 amps | 59.4/29.7 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 104.2/52.1 amps | 93.8/46.9 amps | 78.1/39.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9 h | 4.2 h | N/A |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown | N/A |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 6.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 235 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 29.3 x 26.7 x 26.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 97 dBA |
| THD | < 23% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, key fob, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| Other model numbers | 6075695 |
| UPC | 840321764034 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 7567 W | 9067 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 7595 W | 8185 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Disc sander | 1200 | 1200 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 7590 W | 12090 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



