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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
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen12000's design includes a gasoline-fueled 713 cc (22 hp) Westinghouse V-Twin engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 12,000W and also a peak wattage of 15,000W.
The generator is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher). Its starting mechanism is based on a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). For additional convenience, the WGen12000 may 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).
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the WGen12000 produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 7 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
This Westinghouse generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through 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

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 Westinghouse WGen12000 has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L34 x W31 x H35 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
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.
In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.
Features
The WGen12000's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Westinghouse WGen12000 also comes with several accessories, including: key fob, funnel, battery charger, oil 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, making it usable 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).
- Considering its dry weight of 352 pounds, the Westinghouse WGen12000 is one of the heavier generators producing 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.
- At a lowest noise rating of 74 dBA, this generator is one of the quieter devices of similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the DuroMax XP16000iH. With just 67 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- The WGen12000 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching around 11 hours at 50% load. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Powerhorse 13000ES, with around 15 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.95 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is a rather fuel efficient one within its wattage category. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.78 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 10000-14000W generators, the Westinghouse WGen12000 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- 4 different AC outlet types
- Remote start
- Clean sine wave
- Smart Switch Ready
- Quiet for its power (74 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- No recoil back-up
- On the heavy side (352 lbs)
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 713 cc Westinghouse V-Twin |
Starting system | Electric, Remote |
Warranty | 3 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
---|---|
Running watts | 12,000 W |
Starting watts | 15,000 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 100/50 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 125/62.5 amps |
Run time @50% load | 11 h |
Run time @25% load | 16 h |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | Steel, 10.5 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 352 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 34 x 31 x 35 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
THD | < 5% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, battery, and wheel kit |
UPC | 853544008274 |
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.
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?
Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
---|---|---|---|
At home | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
Total | 9592 W | 11092 W | |
For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 9580 W | 9580 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.