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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen9500
In summary, the Westinghouse WGen9500 is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:
- Prudent homeowners who want a backup power source in case of a power outage
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
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 WGen9500's core is the 457 cc (13.5 hp) Westinghouse OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 9,500W and a peak wattage of 12,500W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). For additional convenience, the WGen9500 may also be remotely started (key fob included).
The WGen9500 can operate for up to 12 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.55 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 6.6 gallons.
The quite high THD (<23%) of the WGen9500 makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
If you own an RV with a 50-amp service, you can consider this Westinghouse unit as RV-ready, as it features a 14-50R outlet. In addition, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen9500 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 WGen9500 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 WGen9500 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 WGen9500 has the following dimensions: L27.2 x W26.5 x H26.5 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 208 pounds. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
To help you monitor the WGen9500's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during use.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Westinghouse WGen9500 also comes with several accessories, including: oil, tool kit, battery charger, key fob and funnel. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen9500 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 thus, may be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Westinghouse WGen9500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen9500 compare to generators of similar power (between 9000 and 10000 W).
- In terms of its dry weight, the Westinghouse WGen9500 stands at only 208 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter devices of the 9000-10000 rated wattage category In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Rainier R12000DF, standing at just 196 lbs.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 74 dBA. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the A-iPower SUA13000EFI with only 69 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the WGen9500, reaching up to 12 hours at a 25% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other products of a roughly equal output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the DuroMax XP11500EH, which is able to run for up to 20 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.55 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Rainier R12000DF, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.39 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 9000-10000W generators, the Westinghouse WGen9500 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Remote start
- Smart Switch Ready
- Lightweight for its kind (208 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 457 cc Westinghouse OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
Warranty | 3 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
---|---|
Running watts | 9,500 W |
Starting watts | 12,500 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 79.2/39.6 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 104.2/52.1 amps |
Run time @50% load | 8 h |
Run time @25% load | 12 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, 6.6 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 208 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.2 x 26.5 x 26.5 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
THD | < 23% |
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, battery, and wheel kit |
UPC | 855464003988 |
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 WGen9500 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 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 7572 W | 9047 W | |
For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 7595 W | 8185 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
Circular saw | 1200 | 3200 | |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 7590 W | 12090 W |
Does it come with wheels and the battery. Does the battery charge as you run it. (Asked May 27, 2020)
The wheel kit and the battery are included. The generator does charge the battery when it runs. However, to ensure that the battery remains charged, the WGen9500 should be started every 2 to 3 months and run for a minimum of 15 minutes. Otherwise, you'll have to use a charger.
Westinghouse w gen9500 have propane hook up capability? (Asked August 08, 2020)
For propane operation, you'd be looking at the WGen9500DF, which is the dual fuel version.
Can you both Start AND Shut Off the generator with the remote (key FOB)? (Asked September 30, 2020)
Absolutely. The key fob has 2 buttons. One to start the unit, and one to stop it.
Is the width dimension of 26.5” i with the wheels on? If not, what is that dimension? (Asked February 01, 2021)
This is the assembled width, so with the wheels.
Can the 30amp outlet be wired to one transfer switch and the 50amp outlet wired to a second transfer switch. (Asked May 22, 2021)
There's no reason why this should not be possible, as long as NEC is respected.
Does this really run up to 17.5hrs at 25% as stated on this page? All I see, even on the MFG website is 12 hours. Anyone successfully have it run that long? How was this calculated? (Asked June 15, 2021)
This was not calculated, since these are the official manufacturer specs at 25% load. The 12 hours mentioned on the MFG website are at 50% load. This information is also available in the spec table above.
Is there a dual fuel model like this that has the DC ports like the WGEN9500, even a different brand? (Asked July 15, 2022)
Please have a look at this list of dual fuel units with DC output and at least 9000 running watts.
Can I run two of the Westinghouse 9500df generators in parallel? (Asked December 28, 2022)
The unit is not parallel capable.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
This generator is not a good generator for real world use…would not Last a few months before the fixing starts…wildfire surviver.
Very nice generator especially for the price. Super easy to set up and test. Quieter than expected. Cannot find a flaw on it. The only thing keeping me from going with 5 stars on the performance was the inability to source a Westinghouse Smart Switch which I specifically purchased this generator to work with. Home Depot, Amazon, Lowes, E-bay all sold out, no word on when it will come back in stock. Also created a case with Westinghouse January 3rd (10 days ago) regarding this issue and sent 2 more emails and haven’t heard a response yet.