Westinghouse WGEN9500DF is a powerful generator that can run almost all the appliances of varying wattage in a small to a large house and that too simultaneously. This power, when combined with the extended runtime, you get the perfect backup solution for your electricity needs during the blackout.
It is a dual fuel generator and works on gasoline and propane, which is another advantage. In an emergency, you might not be able to get your hands on the gasoline, and if you have propane stored, then you won’t have to worry about the power. It offers a maximum runtime of about 17 hours on a 25% load.
It is fuel-efficient and portable, and somewhat quiet considering the amount of power it provides. Moreover, it complies with all the standards set by the CARB and EPA, so you can buy and use it in every state.
It is a great solution to power the appliances at the job site, and it can power many of them at the same time. It will run all the appliances like the Microwave oven, refrigerator, heaters, and lights simultaneously in an RV.
This portable generator comes with many necessary accessories, and it has a battery charger, a key fob, wheels, an oil bottle, funnel, a hose, and an instruction manual to help you understand the controls and maintenance schedule.
To keep the generator as well as all the appliances safe, it is equipped with an automatic voltage regulator, low oil shut down, and overload protection. Also, it has very few maintenance needs.
This unit is easy to use and has all the necessary and important features encompassed in it. If you face any problems, then the unit comes with a 3-year warranty and friendly customer support.
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Westinghouse As a Brand
Westinghouse has been in the market since the year 1886, which means they have the experience of 135 years in the making of the generators. They don’t only make the generators but many other power tools and gardening tools as well.
The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment is a part of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, which makes the generators you see in the market. These generators are top in the category and providing solid competition to other established brands.
The Westinghouse is known for its easy to use and robust products. Their generators are heavier, and this is because to give them a robust and sturdy built quality, they use metal parts, like metal frame and gas tank, handles, etc. This reduces the portability, but they are good for the lifetime.
They also provide the best-in-class safety features in their units. Their products get a rating of 4 or 5 stars from their customers. We accept these generators don’t come at a lower price, but they are still reasonably priced and come with all the important features.
Important Features of Westinghouse WGEN9500DF
Construction
The generator has a robust and sturdy construction. Most of the parts of the unit are made out of solid metal. The generator is compact in size and a bit heavier due to the cast iron sleeve, but the addition of the never-flat tires and rubber foam handle makes transportation much easier.
An intuitive control panel is conveniently placed on the side of the generator for easy control. That same side has a battery, the oil drain, and the oil filler cap, which also has an oil dipstick to check the amount of oil.
On the front of the generator, there is a transport handle and a recoil starter. There is also an air filter, which is easy to access, making the cleaning process more hassle-free. Besides the air filter, a fuel valve is provided.
You can turn it off when the generator needs to be stored. It will force the engine to use up any remaining fuel, which will terminate any possibility of carburetor-related problems.
On the top, the generator has a fuel cap and a fuel gauge.
Control Panel
The control panel of the unit is easy to understand and use as all the outlets, and the switches are clearly marked.
When you want to change the fuel on which the generator is working, then you just need to change the position of the knob to the fuel you are using, and it is done. It has a battery indicator, which will glow when you charge the battery from an external source. There is a push button to electrically start the generator.
This generator is transfer switch compatible. So to turn on and off the generator when the power comes and goes, there is a smart switch outlet. Moreover, it contains two 120 V 20 V power outlets, one 120/240 V 30 A outlet, 120/240 V 50 A outlet, and also the USB ports.
All of them are covered with the sealed rubber covers to prevent dust and water from entering. These outlets are protected by the circuit breakers; when the current drawn increases beyond its rating, the circuit will trip.
The control panel also has a Battery switch, main circuit breaker, ground terminal, and an LED data center that displays Volts, Frequency, and Total Hours. Also note, that there is no indicator for overload, low oil, or output. But the generator will turn off when the oil level falls below a critical level.
Starting
With this generator, you get three different starting mechanisms, electric push-button start, pull start, and remote start.
The more convenient option is the push-button start, as it will start the generator with just a push. But if you are at a distance and want to start the generator from away, then the remote start is more convenient. The generator comes with a remote key fob that lets you turn on the generator from a distance.
Power and Runtime
The generator runs on gasoline as well as on propane, so the power it provides will be different for both fuels. The generator features a powerful 457cc OHV engine. This engine is not that silent, but still, the noise level stays about 75 dB.
When you use gasoline as fuel, the generator provides the peak watts of 12,500 and the running watts of 9500. The generator offers a runtime of about 12 hours on gasoline when the load is half of its total capacity.
Whereas, on the propane, the generator generates 11,200 peak watts and 8,500 running watts. A 20-pound propane tank, when a half load is connected, provides a runtime of 7 hours.
What You can power with this Generator?
The use of any generator is determined by its power output, and this generator doesn’t lack in that front. It provides plenty of power to run many appliances simultaneously. That is why it is the best choice as a full backup solution for larger homes.
When connected through the transfer switch, it can power freezers, heater, lights, and many more appliances of your house. So a blackout won’t be a concern anymore.
Besides, this availability of more power makes it a very good choice for a job site as you can run many power tools from a single source only. This makes the job of workers more convenient.
If you are someone who prefers to live in an RV or go for frequent trips in an RV, then you won’t have to worry about your power needs anymore as this generator can power all the onboard appliances of an RV. It will run the stove, freeze, and other appliances.
Moreover, it has a spark arrestor which qualifies this generator to be used in a park, and it also ensures safety by preventing the forest fire.
What is missing in this generator?
The first thing is the indicating lights. Most of the models in the market nowadays come with indicating lights. These lights alert the owner by glowing appropriate light when the generator stops working suddenly and unexpectedly. The lights generally indicate the low oil level, overload, and output.
The DC outlet is also not there, so if you want to charge the battery of your vehicle, then you might need an adapter and will need to do that from a regular outlet because there is no dedicated outlet to make the direct connection.
Someone might also argue that there are no parallel connection outlets, but they are only necessary if the power the generator provides is less. While here, you get plentiful power.
Bottom Line
If you want to power your home or an RV, this is the right generator. With its ability to generate an explosive amount of power, no appliances in your home will be without power if the need arises to run them simultaneously.
Other than that, it is equipped with a number of safety features to protect the appliances and the generator itself. It comes with a low-oil shutoff, circuit breaker, and overload protection.
It is fuel-efficient and provides extended runtime.
The body parts of this generator are made out of metal which ensures a longer lifetime. But, also note it will make the generator heavier.
The wheel makes transportation easy, but when it comes to lifting it, then you will need help. Overall, this is a solid choice considering the generator is offered at a reasonable price point.
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