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Description
Zoom on the Pulsar PG12000B
In summary, the Pulsar PG12000B is a powerful portable generator especially useful for homeowners who wish to power almost all appliances in their house under any circumstances.
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Pulsar PG12000B
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Pulsar PG12000B provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 9500W along with a peak wattage of 12000W. While propane-powered, it provides 8550 rated watts and 10800 starting watts.
Pulsar’s patented Switch & Go technology allows you to switch from propane to gasoline or from gasoline to propane while the generator is running.
The generator is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower). Its starting mechanisms include a conventional pull-start mechanism and a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
As for its running time, the PG12000B, along with its 8 gallons fuel capacity, can run for around 12 hours at 50% load with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.67 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate 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:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output with which charging your batteries is made easy.
Because the PG12000B is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
With its dimensions of L28.5 x W21 x H22 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Pulsar PG12000B offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 205 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The PG12000B's control panel
The PG12000B's control center features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Pulsar PG12000B also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, propane hose and funnel.
Emissions
The Pulsar PG12000B is CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
Product Video
The Pulsar PG12000B versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG12000B compare to generators of similar power (between 9000 and 10000 W).
- Regarding its weight, the Pulsar PG12000B only weighs in at 205 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter generators in the 9000-10000 rated wattage range. 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.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 74 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the A-iPower SUA12000ED with only 69 dBA.
- The PG12000B provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching around 12 hours at 50% load. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Powerhorse 13000ES, as it provides around 15 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. 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 fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Rainier R12000DF, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.55 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 9000-10000W generators, the Pulsar PG12000B 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
- Switch & Go technology
- Lightweight for its kind (205 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
- No remote start
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 |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 100/50 amps | 90/45 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12 h | 5 h * |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A output |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 205 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.5 x 21 x 22 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Emissions | CARB |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 2 years |
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 PG12000B 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 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 7340 W | 11840 W |
Will the Pulsar pg 12000 duel fuel work and not damage the electrical system of a 50 amp rv? The 50 amp plug on the generator looks right but is it comparable with my rv electrical system? (Asked October 20, 2020)
The 14-50R outlet is suitable for RV use. Your may have a 14-50P plug, or a TT-30P one (in which case, you would need an adapter). Note that this unit may not be suitable for powering equipment that contains sensitive electronic components (laptops, etc.)
Does it come with the wheels (Asked November 16, 2020)
Yes, the wheel kit is included.
What is the difference between the PG 12000B and the PG12KBN? (Asked November 16, 2020)
The PG12000B features the Switch 'N Go technology, which allows you to change of fuel source without stopping the unit. The G12KBN must be stopped before switching between propane and gasoline.
Does the Pulsar Model 12000B charge its own battery? (Asked November 22, 2020)
The generator will charge the battery while running.
how many amps is the generator good for? (Asked January 29, 2021)
It depends on voltage and fuel used. On gasoline and 120V, it can deliver up to 79.2 running amps and 100 peak amps. You can find this information in the spec table a bit further up the page, in the "Power" section of the table.
How do you switch from gas to propane? (Asked February 12, 2021)
A fuel switch is located on the left side of the control panel.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
Purchased PULSAR PG12000B 4/1/2021. Installed transfer switch and started generator on propane, took about 3 1st try’s to start new. I turned on my 1hp well pump, 3000-watt electric water heater, tv, both bathroom fans and lights, garage and house frig, coffee maker, and all house led lights all at one time. I’m very surprised it handled all with ease. I’m very pleased with my transfer switch and this generator. My 3 items must items out of this generator was a THD of 5-7 % (not listed but called manufacturer techs 3 different times to make sure of the THD) to be able to run sensitive electronics, IE computers my $3000 OLED TV, etc. It must be fuel-efficient especially on propane (5hrs Run time @50% load on a single 5-gallon tank IE:20 lb) and a 50 amp plug-in. I’m very happy with this PULSAR PG12000B. Reviews were good, well priced at $1083, no brainer. Pulsar customer service was good for THD info. I placed 3 calls and they were well trained I felt on answers I asked about THD and reliability parts and service. (very happy)
I bought the generator. It has run perfectly all along. I shut it down to change the oil. I did what I was to do according to the manual. I went to start it back up and won’t start!!! I called customer service and got a line of crap from a lady I asked to talk to her supervisor and she said to email him!! So here I sit with a $1300 generator I need for my family and it won’t run! I followed all the troubleshooting from the manual and nothing. I just bought it in March 2021!!