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Pulsar PG1202S - 850/1200W Portable Generator

The Pulsar PG1202S is a compact and lightweight open frame generator with a rated wattage of 850 W and a starting wattage of 1,200 W. (Read full specs)

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Price history for the Pulsar PG1202S
Highest Price
$175.99
Lowest Price
$149.00
Current Price
$175.99

Description

This handy, two-cycle generator provides enough portable power for those jobs around the house or when you are hunting, fishing, camping, tailgating or even out on a boat and does so without breaking your piggy bank. With 1200 peak watts of power, the PG1202S has two 120V and one 12V outlet and can operate for up to 8.5 hours on just 1.2 gallons of fuel mix with a quiet mode system that creates only 65 dB of noise.

Zoom on the Pulsar PG1202S

In summary, the Pulsar PG1202S is a compact and lightweight portable generator especially useful for:

  • Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools

In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.

Power & Run Time

The Pulsar PG1202S in use

The Pulsar PG1202S

Running on gasoline, the Pulsar PG1202S operates with a 72 cc (2.2 hp) Ducar 2-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 850W and a peak wattage of 1,200W.

Operating with a noise level of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the generator starts up via a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.

Thanks to its 1.1 gallon fuel tank, the PG1202S can run continuously for around 8.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with an average fuel consumption of approximately 0.13 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel features the following 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

Moreover, it boasts 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.

Portability

At L14.6 x W12.4 x H12.4 in, the Pulsar PG1202S 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.

Since the PG1202S weighs only 37.5 lbs, it can be labeled as a portable lightweight generator. With its manageable weight, one person can easily move it around, ensuring power wherever needed. Its handle adds to the convenience, making it easy to carry.

Good to know: This unit ranks 3rd in our list of the 10 smallest portable generators.

Features

Panel of the Pulsar PG1202S

The PG1202S's control panel

A light indicator on the device will signal if the generator is ready.

As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during use.

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Pulsar PG1202S also comes with some accessories: battery charging cables and tool kit are included.

Product Videos

The Pulsar PG1202S versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG1202S compare to generators of similar power (between 500 and 1500 W).

  • Weighing in at 37.5 lbs, the Pulsar PG1202S fits within the expected weight range for devices producing 500 to 1500 rated watts. Weight-conscious users may find the Sportsman GEN1000i appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 20.3 pounds.
  • When stacked up against other devices of similar running wattage, this generator's lowest possible noise rating of 65 dBA places it in the louder category. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU1000i. With just 42 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • Given that the PG1202S reaches an autonomy of around 8.5 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Sportsman GEN2000-SS could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 11 hours.
  • While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. This generator can be considered as fuel-efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.13 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Pulsar PGD16iSCO, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.09 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 500-1500W generators, the Pulsar PG1202S 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • Several accessories included
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (37.5 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • Gas/oil mix required (2-cycle engine)
  • 1-year warranty
  • On the noisy side (65 dBA)

Do you own the Pulsar PG1202S 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
FuelGasoline
Engine72 cc Ducar 2-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty1 year
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts850 W
Starting watts1,200 W
Running amps7.1 amps
Peak amps10 amps
Run time @50% load8.5 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationNo
AC outlets1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A receptacle
Data centerNo
IndicatorsOutput ready
Fuel tank1.1 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight37.5 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)14.6 x 12.4 x 12.4 in
Noise (lower limit)65 dBA
THDUnknown
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityOverload protection
Spark arrestorNo
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedTool kit and battery charging cables
Other model numbersPG1202SA
UPC819699010494

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.

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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 PG1202S 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?
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 generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Total192 W1192 W
For campingRV refrigerator180600
Blender400850
Bug zapper8080
Total660 W1110 W
For workPaint sprayer600600
Total600 W600 W
How many amps does the 12v output. (Asked May 08, 2023)

The 12V output provides a current of up to 8A.

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