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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 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:
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

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
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
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Remote start
- Clean sine wave
- Smart Switch Ready
- Quiet for its power (74 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- On the expensive side
- 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, 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?
Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
---|---|---|---|
At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
Total | 9587 W | 11062 W | |
For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 9580 W | 9580 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.