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Description
Zoom on the Pulsar G12KBN
In summary, the Pulsar G12KBN is a powerful portable generator especially useful for homeowners who wish to power almost all appliances in their house under any circumstances.
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Pulsar G12KBN delivers 120/240V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 9500W and a peak wattage of 12000W. When propane-powered, it has 8550 rated watts and 10800 peak watts.
The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 76 dBA (less noisy than a shower).
Regarding its running time, the G12KBN, with a 8 gallons fuel capacity can operate for around 12 hours at 50% load with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.67 GPH). When using propane, it can run for around 5 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.94 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
As the G12KBN 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
The design of the Pulsar G12KBN is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L28.5 x W21 x H22 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 209 lbs. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The G12KBN's control panel
The control panel of the G12KBN includes a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicator will display if the oil level is too low.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual to get you promptly started, the Pulsar G12KBN also comes with some accessories: tool kit, propane hose and funnel are included.
Emissions
The Pulsar G12KBN is CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Pulsar G12KBN versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar G12KBN compare to generators of similar power (between 9000 and 10000 W).
- In terms of its dry weight, the Pulsar G12KBN stands at only 209 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter devices of the 9000-10000 rated wattage category If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above mentioned power range is the Rainier R12000DF, with a dry weight of just 196 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 76 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devise of a similar running wattage. If you are concerned with noise, check out the A-iPower SUA12000ED, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 69 dBA.
- The G12KBN provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching around 12 hours at 50% load. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Powerhorse 13000ES, which is able to run for 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. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.67 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is a rather fuel efficient one within its wattage category. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Rainier R12000DF. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.55 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 9000-10000W generators, the Pulsar G12KBN 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
- Several accessories included
- Electric start
- Dual Fuel
- Lightweight for its kind (209 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- No remote start
- On the noisy side (76 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 457 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 9500 W | 8550 W |
| Starting watts | 12000 W | 10800 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 79.2/39.6 amps | 71.3/35.6 amps |
| Peaks amps (@120/240V) | 100/50 amps | 90/45 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12 h | 5 h * |
| Run time @25% load | N/A | N/A |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A output |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 209 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.5 x 21 x 22 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 76 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Emissions | CARB |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, propane hose and battery |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Other model numbers | G12KBN-SG |
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.
* Propane runtime is our own estimation, based on a 20 lbs tank and NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs of propane = 1 gal of gasoline.
About Pulsar
Pulsar is a brand registered under the Pulsar Products inc., based in California, USA. The company offers a decent choice of air compressors, pressure washers and of course, generators – which range from 1,2 kW to 10 kW and include dual fuel and RV-Ready designs. Pulsar has several facilities scattered throughout the US, including two distribution centers – one in California and second in Illinois. However, the production of their products seems to be outsourced overseas, to the continent of Asia.
Warranty Information
The Pulsar G12KBN is covered under a warranty for up to 1 year. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Pulsar generators, please contact the Pulsar Customer Support: 1-866-591-8921.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| DVD player | 350 | 350 | |
| Total | 7592 W | 9092 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 | |
| LED TV | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 7590 W | 8180 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Disc sander | 1200 | 1200 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 7340 W | 11840 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
