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Westinghouse WGen12000 - 12000/15000W Portable Generator

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.

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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 ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.

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.

At a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator is started via a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the WGen12000 can also be remotely started (key fob included).

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 10.5 gallons, the WGen12000 can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.95 GPH).

The WGen12000 produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 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

It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.

Even if this Westinghouse generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle. 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

The dimensions of the Westinghouse WGen12000, which are L34 x W31 x H35 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy 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, thanks to its wheel kit and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.

A lift hook located on the top of the frame offers an additional safety feature while facilitating the transport, loading and unloading of the generator.

Features

Panel of the Westinghouse WGen12000

The WGen12000's control panel

The WGen12000'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.

A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.

From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Westinghouse WGen12000's package also includes these accessories: key fob, battery charger, oil, funnel and tool kit.

Emissions

The Westinghouse WGen12000 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.

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 your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, weighing just 218 pounds.
  • As its lowest possible noise is rated at 74 dBA, this generator qualifies as one of the more quiet of the products of similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the A-iPower SUA13000EFI with only 69 dBA.
  • The WGen12000 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching around 11 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. This generator, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.95 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, is one of the more fuel efficient generators, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the A-iPower SUA13000EFI. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.78 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 10000-14000W generators, the Westinghouse WGen12000 is on the expensive side of the price range.

While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Remote start
  • Clean sine wave
  • Smart Switch Ready
  • Quiet for its power (74 dBA)
  • High run time
  • Fuel efficient
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the expensive side
  • 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
  • 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.

Spec Improvement×

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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, several sources report that 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 size 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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