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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen9500
In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen9500 is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Homeowners who wish to power almost all appliances in their house under any circumstances
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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 houses a 457 cc (13.5 hp) Westinghouse OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 9500W along with a peak wattage of 12500W.
At a noise rating of 73 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), this generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). For additional convenience, the WGen9500 may also be remotely started (key fob included).
The WGen9500 can operate for up to 17.5 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.38 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 6.6 gallons.
Since the WGen9500 has a somewhat high THD (<23%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
As the WGen9500 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 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 a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L27.2 x W26.5 x H26 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
As the generator's weight is 220 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 (⌀10") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The WGen9500'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.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, 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: funnel, tool kit, oil, battery charger and key fob. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen9500 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.
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).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Westinghouse WGen9500 weighs just 220 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 9000 to 10000 rated wattage generators. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Rainier R12000DF, with a dry weight of only 196 lbs.
- At a lowest noise rating of 73 dBA, this generator is one of the quieter devices of similar power. If you are concerned with noise, check out the A-iPower SUA12000ED, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 69 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of up to 17.5 hours at 25% load, the WGen9500 benefits from one of the highest run times among generators of a similar output
- 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. This generator, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.38 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, is one of the most fuel efficient generators, for the previously mentioned wattage range.
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 (220 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (73 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
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 | 9500 W |
Starting watts | 12500 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 79.2/39.6 amps |
Peaks 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 | 220 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.2 x 26.5 x 26 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 73 dBA |
THD | < 23% |
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, 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 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 | |
Pressure washer (1 hp) | 1200 | 3600 | |
Drain cleaner | 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.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
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.