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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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:
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
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 Pulsar PG1202S's design includes a gasoline-fueled 72 cc (2.2 hp) Ducar 2-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 850W and also a peak wattage of 1,200W.
Rated for 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
The PG1202S boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 1.1 gallon, allowing it to run continuously for around 8.5 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 0.13 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 2 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities.
Portability
With its L14.6 x W12.4 x H12.4 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Pulsar PG1202S provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
The PG1202S boasts a weight of merely 37.5 lbs, solidifying its reputation as a lightweight, easily transportable generator. As it can be moved by a single person without much effort, the generator and its power can be enjoyed on-the-go. Further convenience is provided by its handle, as it allows you to carry it with great ease.
Good to know: This unit ranks 3rd in our list of the 10 smallest portable generators.
Features
The device’s light indicator will display if the generator is ready.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Pulsar PG1202S's package also includes these accessories: battery charging cables and tool kit.
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).
- Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 37.5 lbs, the Pulsar PG1202S belongs in the expected weight range for devices which can produce between 500 and 1500 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Sportsman GEN1000i, standing at just 20.3 lbs.
- In comparison to generators with a similar running wattage, this generator's lowest emitted noise of 65 dBA can be considered noisy. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU1000i with only 42 dBA.
- At a 50% load, the PG1202S's around 8.5 hours of runtime on a full tank fall within the average autonomy range for similarly powerful generators. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Sportsman GEN2000-SS, boasting with around 11 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.13 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is among the more fuel-efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.09 GPH, the Pulsar PGD16iSCO is a device you could look out for.
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
- Inexpensive
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (37.5 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No data center
- Gas/oil mix required (2-cycle engine)
- 1-year warranty
- On the noisy side (65 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 72 cc Ducar 2-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 850 W |
| Starting watts | 1,200 W |
| Running amps | 7.1 amps |
| Peak amps | 10 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | No |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1.1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 37.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 14.6 x 12.4 x 12.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 65 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | No |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Tool kit and battery charging cables |
| Other model numbers | PG1202SA |
| UPC | 814726026530 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Total | 192 W | 1192 W | |
| For camping | RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 660 W | 1110 W | |
| For work | Drill | 600 | 900 |
| Total | 600 W | 900 W |
How many amps does the 12v output. (Asked May 08, 2023)
The 12V output provides a current of up to 8A.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



