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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen12000DF
In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
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
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Westinghouse WGen12000DF provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 12000W along with a peak wattage of 15000W. While propane-powered, it provides 10800 rated watts and 13500 starting watts.
With a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator features a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). To add further convenience, the WGen12000DF can be remotely started (key fob included).
With a fuel capacity of 10.5 gallons, the WGen12000DF can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.95 GPH), or for around 6 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.78 GPH) using 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 features the following 7 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
This Westinghouse generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. Besides, as the WGen12000DF 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

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. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
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, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
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 WGen12000DF and its control panel include a convenient meter, which displays 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.
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.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Westinghouse WGen12000DF, the following accessories are also included: propane hose, key fob, tool kit, funnel, oil and battery charger.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen12000DF is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
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).
- A weight of 352 lbs makes the Westinghouse WGen12000DF one of the heavier devices in the 10000-14000 rated wattage range. 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. 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 A-iPower SUA13000EFI, whose lowest noise levels reach just 69 dBA.
- Since the WGen12000DF 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. 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. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.95 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is among the more fuel efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. 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 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Remote start
- Dual Fuel
- 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 |
---|---|
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 | 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, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
Warranty | 3 years |
UPC | 853544008304 |
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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
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 |
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.
Short version, tech support sucks, but I was able to get the generator to perform to specs, no thanks to them.
I was on the verge of returning the generator. Generator 5/5. Tech support 0/5 on both the first and second one I received.