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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen9500DF
In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Small homeowners in search of a full power backup solution
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Westinghouse WGen9500DF provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 9500W along with a peak wattage of 12500W. While propane-powered, it provides 8500 rated watts and 11200 starting watts.
Enjoying a noise rating of 73 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), this generator can be started thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). For additional convenience, the WGen9500DF may also be remotely started (key fob included).
The WGen9500DF, with a fuel capacity of 6.6 gallons, reaches a run time of up to 17.5 hours utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.38 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of up to 11 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.43 GPH) with propane.
The WGen9500DF is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<23%).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen9500DF 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 WGen9500DF 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 WGen9500DF 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 WGen9500DF has the following dimensions: L27.2 x W26.5 x H26 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 220 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The WGen9500DF's control center features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with 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.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF also is packed along with the following accessories: oil, funnel, propane hose, tool kit, key fob and battery charger. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF 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 therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen9500DF compare to generators of similar power (between 9000 and 10000 W).
- As for its weight, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF weighs only 220 pounds, making it one of the lighter generators in the 9000-10000 rated wattage category. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Rainier R12000DF, with a dry weight of only 196 lbs.
- With a lowest noise rating of 73 dBA, the generator is one of the more quiet of the generators of similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the A-iPower SUA12000ED. With just 69 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- Since the WGen9500DF boasts with a run time of up to 17.5 hours at 25% load, it can be safely judged as one of the devices with the highest run time among those of a comparable output.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.38 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this generator is among the most fuel efficient of the products in the above-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 WGen9500DF 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
- Dual Fuel
- Smart Switch Ready
- Lightweight for its kind (220 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (73 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF doesn't have any notably low specs.
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
Engine | 457 cc Westinghouse OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
Gasoline | Propane | |
---|---|---|
Running watts | 9500 W | 8500 W |
Starting watts | 12500 W | 11200 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 79.2/39.6 amps | 70.8/35.4 amps |
Peaks amps (@120/240V) | 104.2/52.1 amps | 93.3/46.7 amps |
Run time @50% load | 12 h | Unknown |
Run time @25% load | 17.5 h | 11 h |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
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, 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 WGen9500DF 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 | |
Disc sander | 1200 | 1200 | |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 7590 W | 12090 W |
Is it safe to charge/run delicate equipment such as TV, computers, cell phones? (Asked June 15, 2020)
THD should be under 5% to safely run devices that contain sensitive electronics. This unit's THD is <23%, and thus, too high.
does this gen have idel control? (Asked September 06, 2020)
This unit does not have an idle control feature.
Can it also be converted to natural gas? (Asked September 21, 2020)
There are no official conversion kits.
I understand that you can’t run computers etc. But, is it okay to charge a battery powered laptop since the charger is plugged in to just charge the battery as long as you don’t use the laptop while its charging? (Asked October 21, 2020)
Not if you value the circuitry of your charger. Your laptop works on DC, not on AC.
If run through a 50 amp transfer switch and breakers can you safely use tv, charge cell phones, computers? (Asked November 03, 2020)
A transfer switch does not clean power, it just transfers it.
Does the Westinghouse 9500 have an oil filter? An oil filter I can change when I change oil? (Asked November 03, 2020)
The WGen9500DF does not have an oil filter.
Is it safe to use with computers, laptops, cell phones, etc. if those items are plugged into a high end APC UPS unit in between this source? (Asked November 08, 2020)
It would have to be a double-conversion online UPS (opens in a new tab), which will first convert AC to DC, then DC back to AC.
how to remove bonded neutral (Asked December 10, 2020)
You can follow Westinghouse's guidelines (opens in a new tab) or refer to our article on neutral conversion.
Can this generator be outside during winter snow storms, How low the temperature can be in order to be outside? to storage can be in a non heated garage in winter time? (Asked December 17, 2020)
The unit is rated for operation between 5°F and 104°F. In case of exposure outside of this range during storage, it should be brought back within this range before operation. You may also read our article on rain and snow operation.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
WGen9500DF (Dual Fuel)
This is an outstanding generator. First, it was difficult to find it in stock at any of the big-box stores over the course of a couple months, let alone Amazon or other smaller vendors. Most of the reviews I read were overwhelmingly positive, and clearly this is an extremely popular generator. Now that I have tested and proven it – – I understand why.
I ordered it mid-April and it arrived first week of June. The generator was in its original cardboard packaging secured by two typical plastic straps and was without any damage or perforations. Upon opening and visual inspection, the contents were present and securely packaged as described by Westinghouse (oil, tool kit, propane hose/regulator, remote FOB, etc.). The manufacturing and serial number information states “Made in Vietnam”.
I hired a local, reputable electric company to install a 50-amp generator receptacle outlet, circuit, and interlock kit on my main breaker panel (required by city code) the day after the generator’s arrival. I prepped the genny prior to the install by following the Owner’s Manual instructions and had no problems (feet, wheels, battery, or oil). It did need just a bit more oil (maybe 3-4 oz.) to top off the oil fill-line. I selected propane for its first fuel, ran it for 5 minutes and then switched to gas. Both were flawless. My wife is able to easily move it as well. I was now ready for the electricians to install the designated outdoor receptacle/circuits/breaker and interlock kit the following day.
Fantastic! Even my electricians were impressed with the features and performance of this generator. It powered my 3.5 ton central A/C and a few other nominal circuits. However, the A/C is not my primary intent, as that was only to see if it could…and it did. I have a portable A/C & heater that I will plug if needed, rather than using central A/C. I also researched each of my circuits to ascertain their wattage usage in order to designate the circuits I would power on for the generator. I printed that spec-sheet and it is affixed to the inside breaker panel for reference when using the generator power. With proper maintenance, I expect to get many years of reliable service from this beast. My previous generator was a 6500-watt electric start which I gave to a friend, and it is still performing well after 12 years. I am very pleased with this WGen9500DF and highly recommend it. Best wishes!
FANTASTIC GENERATOR. ALL PRO’S