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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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Pulsar PG1202S
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Price history for the Pulsar PG1202S

Current price is in the high range.
Lowest price $109
Highest price $176
Current price $175.99
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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 a few words, the Pulsar PG1202S is a compact and lightweight portable generator perfectly suited for:

  • Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
  • Amateur DIY lovers

The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.

Power & Run Time

The Pulsar PG1202S in use

The Pulsar PG1202S

Pulsar PG1202S is equipped with a 72 cc (2.2 hp) Ducar 2-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120V, boasting a running wattage of 850W alongside a starting wattage of 1,200W.

The generator is rated for a noise of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation). Its starting mechanism is based on a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism.

With its 1.1 gallon fuel tank, the PG1202S can operate for around 8.5 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (with fuel usage averaging around 0.13 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel is equipped with the following 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.

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. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

At a mere 37.5 lbs, the PG1202S is a standout option for those in need of a lightweight and portable power solution. Thanks to its lightweight design, one person can easily move it around, ensuring power availability wherever you travel. 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

Panel of the Pulsar PG1202S

The PG1202S's control panel

A light indicator shows you if the generator is ready.

From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.

In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Pulsar PG1202S also includes several 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).

  • Weighing in at 37.5 lbs, the Pulsar PG1202S fits within the expected weight range for devices producing 500 to 1500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Sportsman GEN1000i, weighing just 20.3 pounds.
  • This generator, with its lowest noise level at 65 dBA, is noisier than most generators of comparable running wattage. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Honda EU1000i, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 42 dBA.
  • Compared to devices of similar power, the PG1202S stands out with one of the higher run times, lasting around 8.5 hours at 50% load. If runtime is a priority for you, the Champion 201285 stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 10 hours of continuous use.
  • Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. Among generators of similar power, this generator stands out with a better fuel efficiency than most, with consumption rates around 0.13 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. 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
  • High run time
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (37.5 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • 1-year warranty
  • Gas/oil mix required (2-cycle engine)
  • 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
UPC814726026530

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.
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 Paint sprayer 600 600
Total 600 W 600 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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