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Westinghouse WGen12000c - 12000/15000W Portable Generator

The Westinghouse WGen12000c 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 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 sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures

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 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.

Enjoying a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator gets running thanks to a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the WGen12000c can also be remotely started (key fob included).

With a fuel capacity of 10.5 gallons, the WGen12000c may run for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.95 GPH).

As the WGen12000c produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

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

Additionally, it features 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.

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 the WGen12000c holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.

Westinghouse's ST Switch Outlet

Picture of the 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

The dimensions of the Westinghouse WGen12000c, 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. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 352 lbs. 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 WGen12000c

The WGen12000c's control panel

The WGen12000c's control center features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.

The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

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.

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.

Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Westinghouse WGen12000c also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, oil, funnel, key fob and battery charger.

Emissions

The Westinghouse WGen12000c 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 and therefore, can 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.
  • With a lowest possible noise of 74 dBA, this generator places itself amongst the more quiet of the products delivering similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the A-iPower SUA13000EFI. With just 69 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • As the WGen12000c features an autonomy of around 11 hours at 50% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its power range. 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.
  • 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 wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, with a fuel consumption of 0.78 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 10000-14000W generators, the Westinghouse WGen12000c 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:
  • CO Sensor
  • 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 WGen12000c 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 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets2x 5V USB port (USB-A)
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, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, battery, and wheel kit
UPC850011336915

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, several sources report that 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?
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
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Drain cleaner250250
Bug zapper8080
Total9580 W9580 W

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