The catch
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
A 50A-shaped outlet is not proof that the generator supplies 50A continuously at 240V.
Side by side
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc vs Westinghouse WGen11500TFc: WGen gives more natural-gas output, and iGen uses inverter operation
Quick verdict
Pick inverter operation, or pick the open-frame model for its higher natural-gas output.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A running load of 8,000W on natural gas
iGen12000TFc shows -800W of nominal margin, against 1,500W for WGen11500TFc. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.
Where this comes from
The measured total running load is assumed to be 8000W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 8000. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.
The catch
Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
Plan for two people to lift the 230-pound frame, and for level roll-out storage.
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Why pick it
- Inverter output and a lighter enclosed body appeal to you
- You are happy with a wheeled 191lb enclosure
- The catch
- A 50A-shaped outlet is not proof that the generator supplies 50A continuously at 240V.
Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
- Why pick it
- Your running load on natural gas goes past 7200W
- You can live with a wheeled 230lb open frame
- The catch
- Plan for two people to lift the 230-pound frame, and for level roll-out storage.
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What this page compares
See how iGen12000TFc stacks up against WGen11500TFc on fuel-specific power, starting demand, voltage and connection limits when choosing a generator.
Pick inverter operation, or pick the open-frame model for its higher natural-gas output.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A continuous natural gas load of 8,000W
Planning for 8000W continuous on natural gas goes beyond the iGen12000TFc’s 7200W rating. The WGen11500TFc offers 9500W on natural gas, so its higher fuel-specific capacity matters here.
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Not suitable
- Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
- Depends
Moving the generator and starting it when the power is out
Under 3% THD is specified for the iGen12000TFc, an inverter. The WGen11500TFc is a conventional generator with 5% or less THD. Check what each sensitive load requires instead of lumping all conventional generators together.
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
- Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
- Depends
Hooking up the specified appliances or the home inlet
14-50R and L14-30R sockets are on both. Current limits still depend on fuel output and individual breakers, and a bigger generator does not remove the need to manage loads.
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
- Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
- Depends
Need the whole 12000W of a balanced 50A 240V load, on natural gas
A balanced 50A load at 240V comes to 12000W. That is 4800W over the continuous natural-gas rating for iGen12000TFc and 2500W over it for WGen11500TFc.
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Not suitable
- Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
A running load of 8,000W on natural gas
iGen12000TFc shows -800W of nominal margin, against 1,500W for WGen11500TFc. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.
How we worked this out
The measured total running load is assumed to be 8000W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 8000. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.
A total starting event of 10,000W
Measured against this separately specified total starting demand, iGen12000TFc has -200W of published peak margin and WGen11500TFc has 2,000W.
How we worked this out
Take the combined load during one motor start as 10000W, counting the appliances already running. Subtract 10000 from the natural gas starting rating. That shows nothing about surge duration or whether the motor starts successfully.
Either natural-gas rating can be exceeded by a 50A inlet
A balanced 50A load at 240V comes to 12000W. That is 4800W over the continuous natural-gas rating for iGen12000TFc and 2500W over it for WGen11500TFc.
How we worked this out
240 × 50 = 12000W. Subtract each natural-gas running rating from it. An inlet rating is a ceiling on the connection and not a promised generator output.
Plug in your numbers
Can either generator run what you need?
This checks hard limits only. Personal preferences are left out of the math.
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
Works with your numbersOn gasoline, it is rated for 9,000 running and 12,000 starting watts. With reserve, your load plan calls for 1,200 watts running and 2,900 watts starting.
Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
Works with your numbersOn gasoline, it is rated for 11,500 running and 14,500 starting watts. With reserve, your load plan calls for 1,200 watts running and 2,900 watts starting.
The estimate adds up the running watts of everything on at once, the biggest single startup surge and 15% headroom. Check each appliance label before you rely on it. Never run a fuel-burning generator indoors, in a garage or near doors, windows or vents.
Option A
Westinghouse, iGen12000TFc
iGen12000TFc
This large enclosed tri-fuel inverter is rated 9000W running on gasoline with a 12000W peak. Both 14-50R and L14-30R connections are included, and continuous ratings are lower on gaseous fuels.
- Best for
- Bigger home loads you manage carefully, on inverter power
Facts we checked
- Gasoline output of 9000W running and 12000W starting
- Propane output of 8100W running and 11000W starting
- Natural gas output of 7200W running and 9800W starting
- Duplex 5-20R plus 120/240V 14-50R and L14-30R
Option B
Westinghouse, WGen11500TFc
WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
Gasoline output is 11,500 running watts and 14,500 starting watts, and propane and natural gas work as fuels too.
- Best for
- start up a 240V well pump and power a window air conditioner
Facts we checked
- On gasoline it is rated at 11,500 running watts and 14,500 starting watts.
- Gasoline, propane and natural gas can all fuel it.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Westinghouse iGen12000TFc | Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running and starting output on natural gas | 7,200W running / 9,800W starting | 9,500W running / 12,000W starting | Each of continuous load and brief starting demand has its own limit. |
| Handling layout | 191lb wheeled enclosure | 230lb wheeled open frame | Look at the route out of storage and how it will get into a vehicle. |
| Connection panel | 120/240V 14-50R and L14-30R plus duplex 5-20R | 120/240V 14-50R and L14-30R plus two duplex 5-20R outlets | Match the exact receptacle, breaker and cord to the system you intend. |
| Gasoline tank | 7.9 gallons | 9.5 gallons | Runtime at your load cannot be worked out from tank size alone. |
| Power regulation | Inverter, Under 3% | Conventional, 5% or less | Check waveform requirements specific to the load. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Ratings are lower on propane or natural gas. Look at the running load and the motor starting demand on their own.
With Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
- At 74 dBA, it is no quiet-campsite machine.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Inverter output and a lighter enclosed body appeal to you
Go with Westinghouse iGen12000TFc. Planning for 8000W continuous on natural gas goes beyond the iGen12000TFc’s 7200W rating. The WGen11500TFc offers 9500W on natural gas, so its higher fuel-specific capacity matters here.
Your natural-gas continuous load is over 7200W yet no more than 9500W
Go with Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator. On natural gas, WGen11500TFc supplies up to 9500W continuously and iGen12000TFc stops at 7200W. Starting surge, fuel supply, wiring and appliance waveform limits still need to be checked.
Decision guide
How to decide
Take inverter operation, or the open-frame model for its higher natural-gas output.
Work the load list from your fuel
Planning for 8000W continuous on natural gas goes beyond the iGen12000TFc’s 7200W rating. The WGen11500TFc offers 9500W on natural gas, so its higher fuel-specific capacity matters here.
What day-to-day ownership looks like
Under 3% THD is specified for the iGen12000TFc, an inverter. The WGen11500TFc is a conventional generator with 5% or less THD. Check what each sensitive load requires instead of lumping all conventional generators together.
Connection and installation details
14-50R and L14-30R sockets are on both. Current limits still depend on fuel output and individual breakers, and a bigger generator does not remove the need to manage loads.
What this page can’t tell you
- These are spec-based calculations. No generator or motor-start tests were measured.
- Usable output may be cut by altitude, temperature, fuel supply and individual 120V leg limits.
- CO shutoff does not turn a generator into a safe indoor option, whether in a garage or under an enclosed shelter.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the generator sets we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 2 of the 24 models checked meet every need here: “Power a refrigerator and the essential lights” and “Tie in through a transfer switch at home”.
2 models fit, out of 24 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Power a refrigerator and the essential lights” and “Tie in through a transfer switch at home”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse iGen12000TFc |
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| Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
Inverter output and a lighter enclosed body appeal to you
See price & reviews on AmazonWestinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
Your running load on natural gas goes past 7200W
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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