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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 in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
- 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
The Westinghouse WGen12000DF
The dual-fuel technology of the Westinghouse WGen12000DF allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 12000W and a starting wattage of 15000W. If propane-powered, it gives 10800 rated watts and 13500 starting watts.
With a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator features 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 up to 16 hours utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.95 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of up to 10 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.47 GPH) with propane.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the WGen12000DF generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 7 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
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, due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen12000DF is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household 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
The Westinghouse WGen12000DF has the following dimensions: L34 x W31 x H35 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow 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, 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 WGen12000DF's control panel
The WGen12000DF's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
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.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF also comes with some accessories: oil, key fob, battery charger, funnel, propane hose and tool kit are included.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen12000DF 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 therefore, can be used in forested areas.
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).
- As its dry weight is 352 pounds, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF is one of the heavier of the products which can generate 10000 to 14000 running watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above mentioned power range is the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, with a dry weight of just 218 pounds.
- Since this generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 74 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating 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.
- Given that the WGen12000DF reaches an autonomy of around 11 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. 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.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. 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 further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.78 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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 |
| Peaks 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 – which are the main product of the Outdoor Power Equipment branch of Westinghouse. 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 camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Total | 9590 W | 10180 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.
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 !