Westinghouse WGen12000 - 12000/15000W Portable Generator With Remote Start

The Westinghouse WGen12000 is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 12,000 W and a starting wattage of 15,000 W. (Read full specs)

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Description

Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen12000

In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen12000 is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

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 Westinghouse WGen12000 in use

The Westinghouse WGen12000

The Westinghouse WGen12000 is powered by a 713 cc (22 hp) Westinghouse V-Twin engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 12,000W as well as a peak wattage of 15,000W.

Operating at a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), this generator starts up with a user-friendly and hassle-free electric starter (battery included). The WGen12000 can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).

The WGen12000's fuel tank, boasting 10.5 gallons, allows it to operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.95 GPH).

With a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the WGen12000 delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 7 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

Moreover, it comes equipped with 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports enabling convenient charging of devices like mobile phones and tablets.

While not classified as 'RV Ready,' this Westinghouse generator can still provides the advantage of RV connection via its L5-30R receptacle, ensuring power supply to your RV with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, because the WGen12000 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.

Westinghouse's ST Switch Outlet

Picture of the ST Switch outlet

The ST Switch outlet

The WGen12000 is what Westinghouse calls Smart Switch Ready. This means that it features a special outlet that allows for an automatic transfer of power in case of a power outage.

To benefit from this feature, you'll need the Westinghouse ST Switch (opens in a new tab), which is not included with the generator.

Simply put, the ST Switch is a cost-effective and versatile portable automatic transfer switch, which can be installed quickly and easily, without an electrician.

Plug the ST Switch into one of your household 120V outlets, plug your appliances to the ST Switch, and connect the WGen12000 to the ST Switch via the special outlet and a 120V cord. The generator will automatically turn on when the power goes out, and automatically turn off when the power returns.

Portability

At L34 x W31 x H35 in, the standard open frame design of the Westinghouse WGen12000 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Since the generator weighs 352 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.

Further safety during transport, loading and unloading of the device is provided by a lift hook, which is placed on the top of the generator's frame.

Features

Panel of the Westinghouse WGen12000

The WGen12000's control panel

To facilitate status and activity monitoring, a convenient meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information are embedded in the control panel of the WGen12000.

Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.

As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Westinghouse WGen12000, the following accessories are also included: tool kit, battery charger, oil, key fob and funnel.

Product Video

The Westinghouse WGen12000 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen12000 compare to generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).

  • At a dry weight of 352 pounds, the Westinghouse WGen12000 is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 10000 and 14000 running watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the DuroStar DS13000MX is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 209 pounds.
  • This generator offers a rated noise level of 74 dBA, placing it among the quieter alternatives in its power category. If you are concerned with noise, check out the DuroMax XP16000iH, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 67 dBA.
  • The WGen12000's runtime of around 11 hours at a 50% load on a full tank positions it within the average autonomy range compared to other generators with similar power. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Powerhorse 13000ES could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching 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. This generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.95 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.78 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • 4 different AC outlet types
  • Remote start
  • Clean sine wave
  • Smart Switch Ready
  • Quiet for its power (74 dBA)
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No recoil back-up
  • On the heavy side (352 lbs)

Do you own the Westinghouse WGen12000 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
Engine713 cc Westinghouse V-Twin
Starting systemElectric, Remote
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
Running watts12,000 W
Starting watts15,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)100/50 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)125/62.5 amps
Run time @50% load11 h
Run time @25% load16 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets2x 5V USB port
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 10.5 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight352 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)34 x 31 x 35 in
Noise (lower limit)74 dBA
THD< 5%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, battery, and wheel kit
UPC853544008274

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.

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About Westinghouse

The US based Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment is a legacy subsidiary of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, founded in 1886. While the company has been acquired and merged into the American CBS, the Westinghouse name remains as the brand name for many of their electrical solutions, which stretch across the scale from power plants to portable generators. Portable generators – the main product of the Outdoor Power Equipment branch of Westinghouse – used to be manufactured by Westpro Power Systems, which was bought in 2016 by Midwest Equipment. Lawn equipment, such as trimmers and blowers, is also sold under the Westinghouse brand name. All of their products are designed in the US. However, they are in many cases manufactured in China.

Warranty Information

The Westinghouse WGen12000 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Westinghouse generators, please consult Westinghouse's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-855-944-3571.

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 sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes dryer54006750
Hair dryer18001900
Slow cooker270270
Total9587 W11062 W
For workElectric welder90009000
Drain cleaner250250
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Bug zapper8080
Total9580 W9580 W

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