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 WGen9500TFc EFI: Natural-gas running power comes from WGen EFI, and inverter output from iGen
Quick verdict
Pick low-distortion inverter output, or pick EFI along with slightly more natural-gas running power.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A running load of 6,500W on natural gas
iGen12000TFc shows 700W of nominal margin, against 1,000W for WGen9500TFc EFI. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.
Where this comes from
The measured total running load is assumed to be 6500W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 6500. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.
The catch
Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
Because published output differs by fuel, the row for your chosen fuel is the one the tool should use.
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Why pick it
- The lower published THD limit is what your electronics need
- You want remote start, electric start and a recoil backup
- The catch
- A 50A-shaped outlet is not proof that the generator supplies 50A continuously at 240V.
Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
- Why pick it
- EFI and the 7500W natural-gas rating are what you value
- You want remote and electric start along with EFI
- The catch
- Because published output differs by fuel, the row for your chosen fuel is the one the tool should use.
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What this page compares
A comparison of iGen12000TFc and WGen9500TFc EFI on fuel-specific power, starting demand, voltage and connection limits, before you choose a generator.
Pick low-distortion inverter output, or pick EFI along with slightly more natural-gas running power.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A continuous natural gas load of 6,500W
On natural gas the WGen9500TFc EFI runs at 7500W, which is 300W above the iGen12000TFc. A gap that small only helps when your actual load sits near the limit.
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
- Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
- Depends
Moving the generator and starting it when the power is out
For the WGen9500TFc EFI, Westinghouse publishes 23% or less THD, and for the inverter it publishes under 3%. Given those figures, the waveform limits your appliance maker sets are a central thing to check.
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
- Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
- Depends
Hooking up the specified appliances or the home inlet
What EFI alters is fuel metering and starting behavior. The conventional WGen unit does not become an inverter, and its published harmonic-distortion limit stays the same.
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
- Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
- Depends
The inverter takes 31lb off the dry mass you handle
The iGen12000TFc weighs 191lb against 222lb, which is 31lb lighter. Each still needs a planned loading and rolling route.
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
- Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
A running load of 6,500W on natural gas
iGen12000TFc shows 700W of nominal margin, against 1,000W for WGen9500TFc EFI. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.
How we worked this out
The measured total running load is assumed to be 6500W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 6500. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.
A total starting event of 9,000W
Measured against this separately specified total starting demand, iGen12000TFc has 800W of published peak margin and WGen9500TFc EFI has 500W.
How we worked this out
Take the combined load during one motor start as 9000W, counting the appliances already running. Subtract 9000 from the natural gas starting rating. That shows nothing about surge duration or whether the motor starts successfully.
The inverter takes 31lb off the dry mass you handle
The iGen12000TFc weighs 191lb against 222lb, which is 31lb lighter. Each still needs a planned loading and rolling route.
How we worked this out
222 minus 191 = 31lb. 31 ÷ 222 × 100 = 14.0% less dry mass for the inverter. Fuel and cords are left out.
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 WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
Works with your numbersOn gasoline, it is rated for 9,500 running and 12,500 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, WGen9500TFc EFI
WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
Rated at 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts on gasoline, it also accepts propane and natural gas.
- Best for
- handle the startup of a 240V well pump and run a window air conditioner
Facts we checked
- It supplies 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts on gasoline.
- 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 WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running and starting output on natural gas | 7,200W running / 9,800W starting | 7,500W running / 9,500W starting | Each of continuous load and brief starting demand has its own limit. |
| Starting system | Remote and electric with recoil backup | Remote and electric with EFI | How easy it is to start is a separate matter from how the generator is carried. |
| Handling layout | 191lb wheeled enclosure | 222lb 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 | 6.6 gallons | Runtime at your load cannot be worked out from tank size alone. |
| Power regulation | Inverter, Under 3% | Conventional, 23% 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 WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
- EFI makes it easier to live with, but it is still a heavy conventional generator.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
The lower published THD limit is what your electronics need
Go with Westinghouse iGen12000TFc. On natural gas the WGen9500TFc EFI runs at 7500W, which is 300W above the iGen12000TFc. A gap that small only helps when your actual load sits near the limit.
EFI and the 7500W natural-gas rating are what you value
Go with Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator. For the WGen9500TFc EFI, Westinghouse publishes 23% or less THD, and for the inverter it publishes under 3%. Given those figures, the waveform limits your appliance maker sets are a central thing to check.
Decision guide
How to decide
The call is between low-distortion inverter output and EFI with slightly more natural-gas running power.
Build your load list around the fuel
On natural gas the WGen9500TFc EFI runs at 7500W, which is 300W above the iGen12000TFc. A gap that small only helps when your actual load sits near the limit.
The practical difference in ownership
For the WGen9500TFc EFI, Westinghouse publishes 23% or less THD, and for the inverter it publishes under 3%. Given those figures, the waveform limits your appliance maker sets are a central thing to check.
Connection and installation checks
What EFI alters is fuel metering and starting behavior. The conventional WGen unit does not become an inverter, and its published harmonic-distortion limit stays the same.
What this page can’t tell you
- These calculations come from specifications. They are not measured generator or motor-start tests.
- Altitude, temperature, fuel supply and the limits of each 120V leg may lower usable output.
- Do not treat a CO shutoff as a reason to run a generator indoors, 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 WGen9500TFc EFI 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
The lower published THD limit is what your electronics need
See price & reviews on AmazonWestinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
EFI and the 7500W natural-gas rating are what you value
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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