ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 136
Amazon
Acme Tools
The Home Depot
eBay
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen12000DF
In summary, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:
- 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 WGen12000DF
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF delivers 120/240V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 12000W and a peak wattage of 15000W. When propane-powered, it has 10800 rated watts and 13500 peak watts.
At a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), the generator is started via a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). The WGen12000DF can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).
The WGen12000DF, with a fuel capacity of 10.5 gallons, reaches a run time of around 11 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.95 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 6 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.78 GPH) with propane.
The WGen12000DF generates a clean sine wave: providing <5% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 7 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
Even though this Westinghouse generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, since the WGen12000DF bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
Westinghouse's ST Switch Outlet
The ST Switch outlet
The WGen12000DF 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 WGen12000DF 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 WGen12000DF offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
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. 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.
The generator comes with an additional safety feature, a lift hook on the top of its frame, which is helpful during its transport, loading and unloading.
Features
The WGen12000DF's control panel
The WGen12000DF 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.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
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.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF also comes with several accessories, including: propane hose, battery charger, oil, key fob, tool kit and funnel.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen12000DF 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 WGen12000DF versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen12000DF compare to generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).
- Considering its dry weight of 352 pounds, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF 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. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 69 dBA.
- Offering around 11 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the WGen12000DF is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. 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. This generator is one of the more fuel efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.95 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. 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 WGen12000DF 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
- Remote start
- Dual Fuel
- Clean sine wave
- Smart Switch Ready
- Quiet for its power (74 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- No recoil back-up
- On the heavy side (352 lbs)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 713 cc Westinghouse V-Twin |
| Starting system | Electric, Remote |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 12000 W | 10800 W |
| Starting watts | 15000 W | 13500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 100/50 amps | 90/45 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 125/62.5 amps | 112.5/56.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 11 h | 6 h |
| Run time @25% load | 16 h | 10 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| 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% |
| Emissions | 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, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 3 years |
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 WGen12000DF 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 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 9580 W | 9580 W |
Does the WGEN12000DF generator have a backup recoil starter? Does the above model utilize an oil filter and what is the part number? (Asked August 06, 2020)
The V-Twin engine of the WGen12000DF does not have a backup recoil starter. The unit does utilize an oil filter, part number 180738.
Are the household receptacles (5-20R) the only receptacles with GFCI Protection? If the neutral is changed from bonded to floating, will the household receptacle's GFCI still function properly? (Asked October 16, 2020)
Correct. Only the two 5-20R duplexes are with GFCI protection. Removing the bonded neutral may not allow proper operation of the GFCI receptacles.
How many kilowatts does the Westinghouse 15,000 generator have? (Asked April 27, 2021)
On gasoline, the generator can deliver up to 12k running watts and 15k starting watts.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
Purchased new July 2020. 15000/12000 watt capacity perfect size, fit & finish very good. Generator would start, speed up & then stop. Would not run. Returned to Westinghouse for refund.
Generator would not run. Westinghouse tech support was AWFUL !
I bought the wgen 12000df it has Plenty of power to run my house and then some. The generator works like a charm. It starts with no issues. The push button start works as it should and so does the key fob. I do wish it had a backup recoil start. I like the trickle charger that it comes with.