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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen12000c
In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen12000c is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen12000c's core is the 713 cc (22 hp) Westinghouse V-Twin engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 12,000W and a peak wattage of 15,000W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator gets running thanks to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). The WGen12000c can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 10.5 gallons, the WGen12000c can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.95 GPH).
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the WGen12000c generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
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, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen12000c is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Westinghouse's ST Switch Outlet

The ST Switch outlet
The WGen12000c 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 WGen12000c 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
With its dimensions of L34 x W31 x H35 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Westinghouse WGen12000c offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
As the generator's weight is 352 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on 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 WGen12000c and its control panel include a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
It also includes a carbon monoxide sensor. This sensor is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Westinghouse WGen12000c, the following accessories are also included: funnel, oil, battery charger, key fob and tool kit.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen12000c is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
The Westinghouse WGen12000c versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen12000c compare to generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).
- At a dry weight of 352 pounds, the Westinghouse WGen12000c is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 10000 and 14000 running watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, standing at just 218 lbs.
- 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 you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the DuroMax XP16000iH, whose lowest noise levels reach just 67 dBA.
- Since the WGen12000c boasts with a run time of around 11 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Powerhorse 13000ES, reaching around 15 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. 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 you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.78 GPH, the A-iPower SUA13000EFI is a device you could look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 10000-14000W generators, the Westinghouse WGen12000c 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
- CO Sensor
- 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 (USB-A) |
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, CO monitoring |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, battery, and wheel kit |
UPC | 850011336915 |
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 WGen12000c 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
Electric fry pan | 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 |
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.