Not all generators are equal, and the Westinghouse 8KPRO and 10KPRO stand above the crowd when it comes to power, durability and affordability. Westinghouse has been around since 1886 so they know a thing or two about making long-lasting power equipment.
There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to the Westinghouse 8KPRO, like the fact it’s powered by the 420cc Westinghouse super-duty single Engine, has a full GFCI panel and includes a lifting hook and a remote start — just to name a few.
Watch this Video for an overview of the Westinghouse 8KPRO
Introduction | Portable Generators
Have you ever turned up at a work-site without a generator? If power from the grid is unavailable you’ll find yourself in a jam. Even when you do find another contractor happy to let you use their generator, they don’t always have enough outlets free for all your tools. In other words, you need your own.
You also have to be very careful about the type of generator you buy. A residential-grade one isn’t good enough, and it’s vital you invest in the right generator if it’s going to be used for commercial purposes. Let’s look at the main reasons why you’d be wise to start using the correct one.
Why You Need A Commercial Portable Generator
You’ll often find generators capable of being used for residential and commercial purposes, which is perfectly fine. Just remember a commercial generator will be able to handle your home, but it doesn’t work the other way around. Here are the biggest reasons why it’s in your best interests to choose the right generator:
- You’ll Save Lots Of Time Every Day
- You’ll Make A Lot More Money
- You’ll Protect Yourself From Liability Risks
I know you’ll be wondering why commercial generators like the Westinghouse 8KPRO will be able to offer you these benefits. How will they save you time? How will they save you money? How exactly will they protect you from liability risks? We’re actually going to review a couple of generators right now, so you’ll find out once you read about all of the features.
Westinghouse 10KPRO | 10,000 Running Watts
More information on the 10KPRO later in the article.
Why You Should Choose A Westinghouse Portable Generator?
Before we look at the generators, let’s look at the company itself. The brand you purchase is even more important when you’re using a generator for commercial purposes, because you’ll use it every single day you are at work. It’s going to help put food on your plate, so you need to be able to trust it 100 percent of the time. If it’s out of action it could spell disaster for your company.
Westinghouse has been hard at work for over 130 years and they’re still going strong. Not only do they supply companies with generators, but they’ve literally brought over a dozen brand new inventions to market. They once laid claim to the fastest elevators in the world. Now they’ve packed their genius into commercial portable generators, so let’s have a look at the top models.
Westinghouse 8KPRO | 8,000W Generator
Features:
- 8,000 Running Watts and 10,000 Starting Watts.
- 420cc Westinghouse SD OHV Engine with Heavy-Duty Features.
- Up to 19 Hours of Run Time at 25% Load.
- Noise Level : 70-75dB (at 25% load).
- GFCI Protected Control Panel, with Covered Outlets for Rough Working Conditions.
- VFT Data Center, Provides Volts, Frequency and Hours for On-Site Use and Proper Maintenance.
- Bonus DC Battery Charger Included.
- Less than 5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) — All Copper.
- Low Idle Control.
- Low-Oil Shutdown, and Cast Iron Sleeve.
- Remote Start : Start your machine from a distance.
- Quick Fuel Drain System, No Clamps Necessary.
- Can power your home by connecting to the Westinghouse Transfer Switch WHMTS301 (210052) — Not Included
✓ View or download MANUAL or SPEC SHEET for the Westinghouse 8KPRO.
Overview | Westinghouse 8KPRO
The Westinghouse 8KPRO is one of the newest models in the Pro-Series, and it’s the perfect portable generator for small companies. If you’re searching for the full-package you need not look any further, but let’s go into a little more detail about why the 8KPRO is so good:
- Wonderful Running And Starting Watts
- Very Powerful 420cc Westinghouse Engine
- It Will Keep Running For A Long Time
- Covered GFCI Protected Control Panel
- Power Outlets And VFT Data Center
- Easier Than Ever To Switch It On
- It Comes With A Smart Idle Control
- Less Than 5 Percent Total Harmonic Distortion
- A Quick And Easy Fuel Drain System
- No Hassle To Move The Machine Around
- A Few Little Extras You’ll Enjoy
Wonderful Running And Starting Watts
When you’re on a work-site you’ll be using a wide variety of tools, and a lot of them will require a ton of power. You’ll also need to have them turned on at the same time, but it’s fine because the 8,000 Running Watts is large enough to take care of almost anything.
Power tools tend to need a good kick-start, which is why the Starting Watts on any portable generator you buy is equally important. The Westinghouse 8KPRO has 10,000 Starting Watts, so you’ll have more than enough power on standby in case you need to plug anything else in throughout the workday.
Control Panel | Westinghouse 8KPRO
Very Powerful 420cc Westinghouse Engine
The 8KPRO has a very powerful 420cc Westinghouse SD OHV engine under the hood. To turn the engine into an even better machine it also comes with a variety of different heavy-duty features that set it apart from most residential models.
On the Westinghouse 8KPRO you’ll find a cast iron sleeve to keep it safe. There is also an automatic low-oil shutdown feature, and although you should never let it get to the stage where it will be needed it’s always essential on a building site in case you’re called away to deal with an emergency.
It Will Keep Running For A Long Time
When you’re at work you want to keep going as long as possible without having to take unnecessary breaks. Every break you don’t need to take will cost you money, which is why the Westinghouse 8KPRO has a large 9.2 gallon fuel tank.
Once it’s completely filled up the generator will be able to keep going for up to 19 hours at 25 percent load. It’s safe to say unless you’re using lots of power tools at the same time a full tank should be able to last you all day. If it does need filled up during the day it will only be the once.
Covered GFCI Protected Control Panel
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, and it’s there to stop people from being electrocuted when they’re playing with the control panel. We already talked about liability risks you could face depending on the generator you buy, so it will come as no surprise every commercial machine will need a GFCI protected control panel.
The one on your Westinghouse 8KPRO also has covers on the outlets to keep them clean, plus it’s built for surviving in the harshest of work conditions making it perfect for every kind of job site you visit.
Power Outlets And VFT Data Center
We’ve just mentioned the covered outlets, but we didn’t specify the exact ones you’ll get on the generator. Here is a list of them all:
- Four 5-20R GFCI 120VAC 20 Amp Power Outlets
- One L14-30R 120/240VAC 30 Amp Twist Lock Power Outlet
- One L5-30R 120VAC 30 Amp Power Outlet
The generator also has a VFT Data Center, which will give you the volts, frequency, and time stats when the machine is operational. This will also help you work out when the Westinghouse 8KPRO needs maintenance work done to increase its longevity.
Easier Than Ever To Switch It On
Do you know how much time you’ll waste climbing up and down ladders to switch a normal portable generator on? From now on it doesn’t matter, because the Westinghouse 8KPRO can be switched on remotely using a small device you can attach to your keys.
You’ll also be able to switch the generator on with one touch of a button if you’re standing next to it. If for some reason it won’t start it’s still possible to get it going the old fashioned way by pulling on a cord, but the generator is so reliable you’ll never use it.
It Comes With A Smart Idle Control
Wouldn’t it be great if your powerful gas-powered generator had an unusual ability you don’t see in other models? The Smart Idle control means your machine will be able to automatically alter the speed your engine is running at based on the demand.
It’s going to save you a lot of money on fuel, especially if you add it all up over the course of a year. It will also lower the noise levels, which will already be at 70-75dB on a 25 percent load making the place a loud environment to work in.
Includes a full set of accessories
Less Than 5 Percent Total Harmonic Distortion
The Smart Idle control is a feature you’d usually only see in inverter generators, and so is low Total Harmonic Distortion levels. If the sine wave output doesn’t bounce around a lot your power tools are going to be a lot safer.
That is very important when you spend a lot of money on quality tools, plus it will also let you charge phones and other delicate appliances on your generator. The Total Harmonic Distortion on the Westinghouse 8KPRO is less than 5 percent, which is extremely low for such a machine.
A Quick And Easy Fuel Drain System
The quick fuel drain system on the Westinghouse 8KPRO is also unlike anything you’ll see on competing models. You won’t even need to remove any clamps in order to drain your fuel tank, so you’re looking at completing the job in under a few seconds depending on how much fuel is left.
This is ideal at the end of the day when you want to pack everything up quickly so you can go home. Even though it will take slightly longer, if there is still a lot of fuel in the tank you’ll also be able to transfer it to another gasoline engine relatively fast.
No Hassle To Move The Machine Around
Something weighing 300 pounds might look like it’s impossible to move, but the large wheels and handle will make it easier than you think. Due to the fact you’ll be able to start the generator with a remote you won’t have to wheel it around much during the day anyway.
The lifting hook that is included will allow you to move the machine around effortlessly if you have the right equipment available. Just make sure it’s definitely sitting on flat and stable ground before you attempt to switch it on, which might slip your mind when you’re starting it remotely.
A Few Little Extras You’ll Enjoy
The biggest extra of them all is the time it will take you to set everything up once it arrives. It’s built to use straight out of the box, so you’ll have it up and running in no time. Westinghouse will also throw in a DC battery charger because they know you’ll need it.
The generator is EPA and CARB compliant, and the last extra is the amazing 3-year limited warranty you’ll receive upon purchase. There are lots of professionals nationwide waiting to help whenever you run into any problems.
Dimensions (Westinghouse 8KPRO) :
- Size: Length: 31″ / Width: 31.5″ / Height : 28.5″
- Carton Size: Length : 30.6″ / Width : 25.3″ / Height: 24.6″
- Unit Weight : 223 lbs.
- Shipping Weight : 238 lbs.
Westinghouse 10KPRO | 10,000W Generator
Features:
- 10,000 Running Watts and 12,500 Peak Watts.
- Westinghouse 680cc V-Twin Engine with Heavy Duty.
- Up to 19 Hours of Run Time at 25% Load.
- Noise: 70-75dB at 25% load.
- GFCI Protected Control Panel, with Covered Outlets for Rough Working Conditions.
- VFT Data Center, Provides Volts, Frequency and Hours for On-Site Use and Proper Maintenance.
- OHV with pressurized lubrication system, low oil shut down, shock mounted oil cooler, automotive type oil filter.
- Bonus DC Battery Charger Included.
- Less than 5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) — All Copper.
- Low Idle Control.
- Low-Oil Shutdown, and Cast Iron Sleeve.
- Remote Start.
- Quick Fuel Drain System, No Clamps Necessary.
- Connect to your home power with the Westinghouse Transfer Switch WHMTS501 (210076) — Not Included
✓ View or download MANUAL for the Westinghouse 10KPRO.
Overview | Westinghouse 10KPRO
The Pro-Series is also home to the biggest commercial generator of them all. You’ll find the Westinghouse 10KPRO is almost identical to the Westinghouse 8KPRO except for a few things. We’re not going to talk about everything we’ve already discussed, so instead we’ll focus in on the things that make the 10KPRO worth the extra money:
- Much Higher Running And Starting Watts
- More Powerful Engine And Heavy-Duty Features
- An Extra Power Outlet On Control Panel
- It’s Heavier Than The Westinghouse 8KPRO
Much Higher Running And Starting Watts
We’re going to look at this in more detail once we’ve covered all the major differences, but you’ll see the Running Watts and Starting Watts is much higher on the Westinghouse 10KPRO portable generator. You’ll have 10,000 Running Watts, which was actually the exact same as the Starting Watts on the Westinghouse 8KPRO.
On this model, you’ll get a whopping 12,000 Starting Watts. If you’re going to be operating lots of heavy machinery all day it’s definitely worth having the extra couple of thousand watts instead of being unable to use a tool.
Watch this Video for an overview of the Westinghouse 10KPRO
More Powerful Engine And Heavy-Duty Features
Every time you buy a power tool you want the best engine your money can buy. This monster on the 10KPRO is a 680cc Westinghouse V-Twin OHV engine. There are also more heavy-duty features than the ones on the Westinghouse 8KPRO generator.
You’ll get all the features we’ve already talked about, plus on top of them you’ll get a pressurized lubrication system, a shock mounted air cooler, and an automotive type oil filter. When it’s not working at full blast the Smart Idle feature will still adjust the engine based on demand.
An Extra Power Outlet On Control Panel
We listed the covered outlets on the 8KPRO and the ones you’ll find on the 10KPRO are almost the same. Luckily you’ll have an extra one to play with, but let’s look at all of them so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting:
- Four 5-20R GFCI 120VAC 20 Amp Power Outlets
- One L14-30R 120/240VAC 30 Amp Twist Lock Power Outlet
- One L5-30R 120VAC 30 Amp Power Outlet
- One CS6369 50A 12V DC Power Outlet
It’s Heavier Than The Westinghouse 8KPRO
The last major difference between these quality models is the weight. It might only be 30 pounds heavier, but when the total weight is 330 pounds it’s going to cause you more difficulties. It won’t be too bad when you’re moving it around as long as the ground is flat, because you’ll still have the large wheels and solid handle.
The hard part will be getting it into your truck or storing it somewhere on the worksite. Unless you have lots of people to help you lift it up, you’ll need to make use of the lifting hook it comes with.
How To Decide Which Portable Generator To Buy
The portable generator you’ll need could easily depend on a number of different things, but it ultimately only comes down to one. You need a generator capable of letting you run all the power tools you’ll need to use at the same time.
It’s easy to just say get the biggest one you can afford, but this is where the Running Watts and Starting Watts come into play. Let’s take a quick look at the Running Watts first.
Dimensions (Westinghouse 10KPRO):
- Size: Length : 30.7″ / Width : 31.1″ / Height : 31.3″
- Carton Size: Length : 34.6″ / Width : 27.5″ / Height : 33.2″
- Unit Weight : 330 lbs.
- Shipping Weight : 345 lbs.
An Explanation Of Running Watts
Imagine you have multiple power tools and they all have a different wattage rating. When you combine them all together they can’t be higher than the total Running Watts of your portable generator.
The first model we looked at was the Westinghouse 8KPRO, so if you owned this model the total wattage of all the power tools you plan on using at the same time must be under 8,000. Let’s look at some wattage examples and you can add things up in your head:
- 1HP Air Compressor – 1,600 watts
- Demolition Hammer – 1,260 watts
- Hand Drill – 600 watts
- 10-Inch Table Saw – 1,800 watts
- Drain Cleaner – 250 watts
- As you can see, the examples we’ve used are still well below 8,000 watts and the 8KPRO could deal with them at the same time with ease.
Examples of Starting vs Running Watts
An Explanation Of The Starting Watts
You’ll find power tools will need a little kick to get going, but this is only for a very short amount of time until they’re up and running. In order to combat this issue, generators will come with a higher Starting Watts rating. Let’s focus on the Westinghouse 8KPRO again to explain how it works.
If the generator was almost maxed out you could still plug another power tool in if it didn’t exceed the Starting Watts rating, but only if it dropped below 8,000 watts once it was running. Some power tool Starting Watts ratings are high, so there would need to be less things running when you plugged those tools in. Here are the Starting Watts ratings for the tools we looked at:
- 1HP Air Compressor – 4,500 watts
- Demolition Hammer – 1,260 watts
- Hand Drill – 900 watts
- 10-Inch Table Saw – 4,500 watts
- Drain Cleaner – 250 watts
If you wanted to plug in a 1HP air compressor or 10-inch table saw to the Westinghouse 8KPRO (Starting Watts = 10,000), the Running Watts of the tools already hooked up couldn’t be higher than 5,500 watts.
An Excellent Alternative to the Westinghouse 8KPRO
Features (Generac 5747):
- The Generac OHVI engine incorporates full pressure lubrication with automotive style spin on oil filter for longer life engine.
- PowerBar easily monitors power wattage.
- Illuminated LED control panel for improved visibility.
- Hour meter with maintenance resets tracks usage and monitors maintenance cycles.
- Large-capacity steel fuel tank with incorporated fuel gauge provides durability and extended run times.
- Low-oil pressure shutdown automatically safeguards engine from damage.
- Single touch electric start, battery included, provides hassle-free start-up.
- Covered outlets provides added protection from the environment and rugged working conditions.
- Full-wrap, heavy-duty, 1 1/4″ steel tube cradle for added durability and strength.
- Heavy-duty, never flat wheels for reliable portability.
- User-friendly design has conveniently placed engine controls for simple operation and easy start-up.
- Fold-down, locking handle for sturdy portability and compact storage.
- Plug-in battery charger jack to keep battery charged and ready to go.
- First oil and maintenance kit included.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Generac 5747 generator.
The Only Source Of Power You’ll Ever Need
Even if you’re not good at math you should still be able to work out which portable generator you’ll need. The Westinghouse 8KPRO will almost certainly be perfect for the average person with a small business, whereas the Westinghouse 10KPRO might be required if you own a large company with lots of workmen using power tools on each job site.
It doesn’t really matter anyway because both models are fantastic, and once you start using either generator you’ll save time and money like we mentioned right at the very start. If you need more convincing you only need to read the reviews past customers have left on Amazon. You’ll also find out a lot more little things about the generators.