Review — Westinghouse WPro12000 — 12KW Portable Generator

► New 2019 > Westinghouse 12000W Generator : ▶ Westinghouse WPro12000 ★★★★½

Welcome to Westinghouse WPro12000 Review — A 12,000 watt (running) Industrial portable generator with a wide range of uses but primarily designed for the jobsite and/or to get you through any emergency, power outage or any natural disaster.

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Intro | Westinghouse WPro12000 Review

The Westinghouse WPro12000 is an incredibly powerful jobsite generator, with a whopping 15,000 kilowatts of peak surge power. Whilst primarily aimed at the demanding requirements of a jobsite, this is an excellent generator for home emergency power. It has the watts to supply most of your household power needs.

In a relatively short period of time, Westinghouse have established themselves as an affordable, high-quality, portable generator brand. Initially, these were small to mid-sized domestic generators, intended mostly for home and camping generator buyers. In introducing the WPro generator series, Westinghouse took the on big guys in the industrial generator sector head on. Established brands, like Honda and Cat, have always been known as the top generators for jobsite and industrial applications. Now Westinghouse has joined this competitive field.

Control Panel of the Westinghouse WPro12000

When reviewing the Westinghouse WPro12000, I’m going to pit it against one of the most renowned 12,000W jobsite generators ever built, the Cat RP12000E. For many years, I’ve considered the 12,000W Cat as the ultimate portable jobsite generator. It has the power to keep a large number of power tools running at the same time. More importantly, it is as rugged and tough as they come. So this comparative review is going to be an interesting one. How does the newcomer, the Westinghouse WPro12000, stand up to the legendary Cat RP12000E?

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Westinghouse WPro Series Generators

When Westinghouse launched their WPro generators, their aim was to provide heavy-duty machines for industrial use. This meant fitting the generator to an industrial grade frame that can handle the rigors of a jobsite and similar environments. The ultra-duty V-Twin engine is as reliable as it is a tough workhorse.

Westinghouse PRO Line of Generators (WPro and iPro) :

1. iPro2500 (Inverter) : 2,500W Starting, 2,200W Running
2. iPro4200 (Open frame inverter) : 4,200W Starting, 3,500W Running
3. WPro8500 : 11,500W Starting, 8,500Ww Running
4. *WPro12000 (go to review) 15,000W Starting , 12,000W Running

To transport these heavy generators, a lifting eye has been supplied, as well has a large wheel kit and reinforced fold down handles. All this has been done to meet the needs of contractors who rely on their generators to work hard in extraordinary circumstances.

Smaller, 8500 Watt WPro Generator | Westinghouse WPro8500

In meeting these needs, Westinghouse has also made these generators OSHA compliant, with the necessary GFCI protection. The engines also comply with EPA and CARB requirements for low emissions.

Though when looking at the Westinghouse WPro12000 vs WGen12000, we see a very similar generator. The Westinghouse WGen12000 is marketed as a domestic heavy-duty 12,000W generator and the WPro12000 as an industrial heavy-duty generator. They are mechanically identical, use the same frame, and weigh the same. The only real difference is the OSHA compliant panel used for the industrial grade Westinghouse WPro12000.

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Westinghouse WPro12000 vs Cat RP12000E

A comparative review of the Westinghouse WPro12000 vs the Cat RP12000E may seem like a David and Goliath battle. Cat have been manufacturing industrial power equipment for the most part of a century. Although the Westinghouse Corporation is an older company, they have only been supplying portable generators for less than a decade and the WPro generator series is one of their newer additions.

Feature Comparison | WPro12000 vs Cat RP12000E

Though, once you read the reviews of these two generators, you’ll be surprised at how well the Westinghouse WPro12000 fares against the more established Cat. The MSRP price listed on both websites, place these generators at the same basic price. Their specs are also very similar. The real question is: Does the Westinghouse WPro12000 have what it takes to compete with a generator that has earned a reputation as being the top dog for so many years?

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Westinghouse WPro12000 Review

15,000 Starting Watts / 12,000 Running Watts : An excellent Industrial portable generator for your jobsite or as an emergency backup portable generator.

Features:

• 12000 rated watts / 15000 peak watts — 22 HP, 713cc V-twin Westinghouse engine with cast iron sleeve
• 10.5 Gallon fuel tank with fuel gauge :
  • 16 hours Run Time at 25% Load
  • 11 hours Run Time at 50% Load
• OSHA, EPA, and CARB compliant with full panel GFCI protected outlets
• Remote Start : Keyless electric start with remote start key fob.
• 9 water-resistant outlets with protective rubber covers
  • 4x 120-Volt 20 Amp 5-20R standard home outlets
  • 1x 120-Volt 30 Amp L5-30R receptacle
  • 1x 120-Volt/240-Volt 30 Amp L14-30R receptacle
  • 1x 120-Volt/240-Volt 50 Amp 14-50R receptacle,
  • 2x 5-Volt USB ports
• Transfer switch ready. Connect to manual transfer switch or power inlet box easily and quickly.
• Smart Idle – Automatic Efficiency Idling
• Automatic voltage regulator, automatic low oil shut-down, and overload protection.
• VFT display gives you real time updates of the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
• Heavy-duty wheels : 12″ diameter, 3″ wide
• Lift Hook : Easy to move with a reliable and heavy-duty lift hook.
• Low THD (total harmonic distortion) Provides Clean Power : Produce <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) giving you clean power for your electronics.
• Electric Start
• Includes :  Battery, Battery Charger, Key Fob, Oil, Funnel, Tool Kit, Manual, and Quick Start Guide.
• 3-Year Residential / 1-Year Commercial Warranty : Comes with a 3-Year Residential Warranty, and 1-Year Commercial Warranty and Lifetime Technical Support.

Documents for the WPro12000:

• View or download the MANUAL
• View or download the SPEC SHEET
• View or download the QUICK START GUIDE

Overview

In reviewing the WPro12000, I’m going to keep in mind the people who are most likely to be buying this generator, contractors looking for a heavy-duty industrial generator with the wattage to supply power for a large, busy jobsite. If you need to power an air compressor or jobsite table saw, along with drills and other smaller power tools, the Westinghouse WPro12000 has what it takes. You won’t be tripping circuit breakers every time several tools start up at the same time.

Not many portable generators can supply 15,000 watts peak power and 12,000 running watts. This is one of the main reasons why contractors, who need the extra power from their jobsite generator, are likely to choose the WPro12000 over the other options. Powered by a 713cc, V-Twin engine, it has the horse power to deal with the high demand that this generator is designed for.

With 22 HP, this engine certainly has the goods. It is a modern, efficient engine and is both EPA and CARB compliant. It has low oil shutdown and an excellent pulse-flow muffler. Even though this is a big roaring beast of an engine, it has a low idle mode which will reduce the noise levels to only 74dBA. Okay, this isn’t exactly quiet, but for an open frame generator with that kind of power, it’s quite remarkable. The engine has an electric starter and a recoil starter as a backup, along with an automatic choke for easy starting. It also has a remote control which can be great on a jobsite. You won’t be wasting time walking back and forth to start or stop the generator. A factory paired remote fob is supplied with the generator and works over a distance of up to 100 yards.

Long runtimes are essential for a generator that has to work all day long. Time is money, and you don’t want the entire site to come to a standstill, just so that you can shut the generator down to refuel. So a large gas tank, combined with a fuel efficient engine, is a great advantage. In this regard, the Westinghouse WPro12000 certainly makes the grade. It has an enormous, 10.5 gallon gas tank. At an average load of 25%, this will keep the generator running for 16 hours. At 50% load, you’re looking at 11 hours runtime.

With the fluctuating load that one finds on jobsite, it should run uninterrupted for an entire 8-hour workday. Your gas spend will be a lot lower than most generators, fuel consumption works out at 6.3 kilowatt-hours per gallon (calculated for the specified runtime at 50% load). This is much better than the average fuel consumption for most portable generators.

The alternator is a heavy-duty unit, fitted with an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR). I’m more than impressed with the extremely low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for this alternator. Standard (non-inverter) generators usually produce THD levels exceeding 20%, this damages sensitive electronic equipment. The specified THD for the Westinghouse WPro12000 is less than 5%. While this isn’t quite as good as an inverter (usually <3%), it is perfectly safe for electronics. At peak power, this generator delivers 125 amps (120V) and 63 amps (240V). Constant current is 100A at 120V and 50A 240V.

The control panel is designed for tough working conditions and is recessed into the strong metal frame. All the outlets have plastic covers. This is something that I see as essential on a jobsite, where dust and water can be a problem. In keeping with OSHA regulations, it has full panel GFCI protection, with neutral bonded to the frame. A main breaker will trip if there is any contact to ground on any of the outlets. As for electric outlets, you have everything you could need on a jobsite.

For that matter, for the home too (via a transfer switch), or for camping. Four 120V, 20A outlets are supplied in the duplex format, so these are protected by 2 individual circuit breakers. There are 2 X 30A outlets, one is an L5-30R 120V AC receptacle, the other an L14-30R 120V/240V AC receptacle. It also has a large L14-50R, 50A 120V/240V AC outlet. DC outlets include 2 X 5V USB points and a 12V battery charging outlet. There’s a digital data center that displays voltage, frequency, and lifetime running hours. It also has a convenient single switch run/start/stop switch and a fuel gauge on the tank allows you to check on the gas level at a glance.

When we’re talking about heavy-duty industrial generators, durability is high on my list of priorities. For a quick assessment of how tough a generator is, I take a look at the weight. A heavy generator, means a lot of heavy steel has been used in its construction. At 352 pounds, the Westinghouse WPro12000 definitely makes the grade. It has a sturdy steel frame with a durable coating, the gas tank and protection panels are all metal, built to last. Of course, this has its downside when considering portability.

Thankfully, the WPro12000 has large wheels, capable of overcoming obstacles. You shouldn’t have a hassle moving this generator on a gravel surface. The dual fold down handles have good grips and plenty of leverage. To assist in loading the Westinghouse onto a truck, there is a lifting eye and a heavy-duty crossbar over the gas tank. This also helps protect the tank from knocks.

From its immense power, to the ultra-rugged construction and superb engine, the Westinghouse WPro12000 makes the grade as one of the best jobsite, or industrial generators. The convenience of a remote control is something extra that you won’t find on many generators. As for economy, gas consumption is also one of the best. The Westinghouse WPro12000 is backed by a 3-year residential or 1-year commercial warranty.

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Not sure which size generator you need, use the Westinghouse generator calculator. Also, Westinghouse has an excellent youTube channel with great quality videos of their products. Unfortunately they don’t have a video of their WPro12000 yet. I’m hoping they will soon.

VIDEO | Westinghouse iPro4200 Industrial Inverter Generator

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Westinghouse Service

I’ve been monitoring Westinghouse very closely since they first started manufacturing portable generators in 2011. I’m more than impressed with their ever-growing range of portable generators. Though, because they’re new to the retail market, I’ve had some concerns about dealership service. Established brands have a significant footprint internationally. It takes time to develop a dealership network, and Westinghouse is starting to get there.

While the Westinghouse dealership is growing steadily, some areas are not well covered. If you look at the dealership network in the US, on the Westinghouse website, you can get an idea of what to expect. The Eastern and North-Eastern United States is not a problem. As you head through to the mid-west, Westinghouse dealerships become few and far between. The West coast isn’t too bad. Even though you can have your Westinghouse generator shipped to the closest service center for repairs, this could take some time, depending on where you are.

So, in certain areas, dealership service may be of some concern. Though their network is growing steadily. As time goes by, I expect the situation to improve. At the moment, you won’t find Westinghouse dealers outside the United States.

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CAT RP12000E Industrial Portable Generator

12KW portable generator for the small contractor or homeowner who needs lots of power.

Use the CAT generator calculator to get their recommendation on the generator size you need.

Features:

• Powerful 670cc V-Twin OHV motor with pressurized oil system
• Removable lifting eye and ergonomic design for easy maneuverability
• Large fuel tank and idle control for extra-long run times
• Class leading number of outlets powers more tools at one time
• All copper generator produces clean power (total harmonic distortion (<5%)
• CARB Compliant
• Low Harmonic Distortion all copper generator (THD < 5%)
• Built tough with a heavy-duty frame, never-flat wheels and a padded, double-hinged, locking handle
• Easy to set up and operate
• Pressurized oil system
• Enhanced safety features like a USDA Forest Service compliant spark arrestor, automatic low-oil shutdown and added GFCI protection
• Electric start and automatic battery charging when running
• Battery charger included
• Idle Control
• Displays : Voltage, Frequency, Running Hours and Total Hours

Documents of the Cat RP12000E 12Kw Generator :

• View or download the MANUAL
• View or download the General BROCHURE for CAT Generators
• View or download the QUICK START GUIDE
• View or download the SPEC SHEET
• View or download the SERVICE MANUAL

Overview

Anyone in the know, will tell you that Cat RP12000E has been regarded by many, as the king of jobsite generators since it was launched. This makes it a tough job for the Westinghouse Wpro12000 to compete with a product with that kind of esteem. Though, when it comes down to it, they are very similar machines. Cat does have a reputation for building rugged industrial equipment and this means that the RP12000E portable generator has a loyal following. This something that Westinghouse is likely to accomplish over time.

Comparing their engines, the Cat RP12000E and Westinghouse WPro12000 aren’t too different at all. The Cat has a similar V-Twin engine with an overhead valve. This engine has a slightly lower displacement than the Westinghouse, 670cc. Even though the WPro12000 has a larger, 713cc engine, the wattage is the same for both generators (12,000 running and 15,000 starting watts). Though the Canadian (CSA certified) Cat RP12000E has a lower output of 11,000 running watts.

The 12KW US version is CARB and EPA certified. It has an excellent Premium muffler with a USDA approved spark arrestor. I don’t have noise level specs for the Cat, so I have no comparison to the Westinghouse WPro12000. The Cat does have a low idle setting to reduce noise and gas consumption, so I would assume noise levels are very similar for both generators.

Despite its smaller engine, the Cat doesn’t quite match the excellent gas consumption of the Westinghouse. At 5.3 kilowatt-hours per gallon, the RP12000E is still better than average, but this is thirstier than the 6.3 KWH/G that you’ll get from the ultra-economical Westinghouse. The Cat has a larger, 13.2 gallon gas tank. So even though it will burn through more gas per hour, you end up with a better runtime from a tank of gas when compared to the Westinghouse. At 50% load, the Cat will run for an incredible 11.7 hours on a single tank. It also has a fuel gauge on the tank, so you always know how much gas you have to spare.

At 353 pounds, the Cat RP12000E is only a pound heavier than its Westinghouse counterpart. This is an indication that they’ve used similar materials in the construction of both generators. The Cat also has a tough metal gas tank with strong metal protection plates. True to Cat form, it has a heavy-duty metal, full wrap around frame. The 11” wheels are excellent and, along with a sturdy U-shaped handle, it’s easy to move around on any type of surface. Like the Westinghouse, the Cat also has a lifting eye. When it comes to rugged build quality and portability, these two generators seem to be equally matched.

Like the Westinghouse, the Cat delivers an exceptionally clean sine wave, with less than 5% THD. Power output is protected by an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) to prevent surges in the voltage. It has an electric starter, but you don’t have the added convenience of a remote control. The Cat has a manual, instead of automatic choke, but this really doesn’t make any real difference. The Westinghouse needs an automatic choke for remote starting. The industrial control panel is really great and has backlighting for working in the dark.

The AC outlets are the almost same as the Westinghouse, the Cat has an extra 120V 30A outlet which can be handy when using a number of high-powered tools. It has 4 X 120V, 20A outlets; 2 X 120V 30A (5L-30R) outlets; 1 X 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) outlet, and a 50A 120/240V (L14-50R) outlet. It also has a 12VDC battery charging outlet. While the Westinghouse has GFCI protection for all the outlets, the Cat only has this for the 20A 120V outlets. It has the same push to reset breakers for the individual circuits and a 2-pole main breaker. The Cat has a similar digital data center, with a little more information than the Westinghouse: Voltage, frequency, running hours, and total running hours.

I think it goes without saying that this is a super tough, industrial generator. After all it’s a Cat. While it doesn’t have some of the extras that you’ll find on the Westinghouse WPro12000, the Cat RP12000E has the same basic specs and the benefit of a long standing reputation. If you register your generator, Cat offer a 3-year warranty. Otherwise it is, by default, 2-years. As a well-established commercial and domestic brand, Cat has dealerships across North America, so service will never be an issue.

VIDEO | How to start & stop the CAT RP12000E 

To learn more read our article on CAT generators or visit the CAT site and see what they have to offer.

Standard Features on the CAT RP Portable Generators :

• Steel frame with low vibration engine mounts to minimize movement and noise
• Class-leading number of power outlets for maximum usability
• Premium Class-H insulation for better performance in tough conditions
• Durable, anti-corrosion-treated steel fuel-tank with fuel gauge for 11 to 15 hours of run time, depending on model
• Fuel-efficient overhead valve (OHV) engine engineered with heavy-duty liners for reliable power when you need it
• Custom muffler heat shielding for safety
• All operation controls are conveniently located in one place for easy access
• Manual fuel shutoff prevents leaks and keeps fuel from getting trapped and spoiling in the generator
• Automatic voltage regulator (AVR) controls voltage output to protect your valuable tools and appliances

✓ Learn more by reading the CAT brochure on their portable generators.

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Common Electrical Outlets — Reference

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Is the Westinghouse RP12000E Right for You?

It might be impossible to convince die-hard Cat loyalists, that there can be any generator that can compete with the mighty RP12000E. Let alone, a relative newcomer like the Westinghouse WPro12000. Admittedly, Westinghouse doesn’t have the reputation that Cat has when it comes to industrial portable generators. The Westinghouse dealership network isn’t quite as good as Cat. So I can see why some may be hesitant to consider the WPro12000 as worthwhile alternative to the RP12000E.

If you consider that both these generators cost the same, I’m sure many will prefer to stick with the brand they know. Why change, when you’ve been using the best for years? Though I can see no reason to doubt that the Westinghouse WPro12000 is every bit as tough as the Cat RP12000E. On top of this, it has a few additional benefits. I would think the fuel efficiency that the Westinghouse generator offers is a compelling reason to give it the benefit of the doubt. Lower gas bills on a generator that’s going to be working day in and day out, is going to amount to significant savings over time.  Although I wouldn’t make my decision based entirely on extras, like a remote control and a digital information center, they do add extra value and convenience. Although I wouldn’t make my decision based entirely on extras, like a remote control, it does add extra value and convenience.

So, in terms of a legendary reputation, the Westinghouse WPro12000 may be the underdog in this race. But, if I were on the Cat marketing team, I’d be cautious about underrating the newcomer to this market. I see great things a head for Westinghouse.