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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 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
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen9500's engine, 457 cc (13.5 hp) Westinghouse OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 9,500W and reaches a peak wattage of 12,500W.
With a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the WGen9500 can also be remotely started (key fob included).
With a fuel capacity of 6.6 gallons, the WGen9500 may run for up to 17.5 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.55 GPH).
The WGen9500 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<23%).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:
It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
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, since the WGen9500 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 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
With its dimensions of L27.2 x W26.5 x H26.5 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Westinghouse WGen9500 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.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 208 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The control panel of the WGen9500 includes a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
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.
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: key fob, oil, battery charger, funnel and tool kit. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen9500 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 therefore, can 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).
- Weight-wise, the Westinghouse WGen9500 has only 208 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 9000 to 10000 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PG12000B, with a dry weight of only 205 lbs.
- Because this generator emits noise as low as 74 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its 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 SUA12000ED, whose lowest noise levels reach just 69 dBA.
- With a run time of around 12 hours at 50% load, the WGen9500 has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. 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.
- 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 0.55 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is one of the most fuel efficient units within its wattage category.
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)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
The Westinghouse WGen9500 doesn't have any notably low specs.
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 457 cc Westinghouse OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
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 | 12 h |
Run time @25% load | 17.5 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 |
Warranty | 3 years |
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, several sources report that 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 | |
Electric fry pan | 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 | |
Pressure washer (1 hp) | 1200 | 3600 | |
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
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.