Side by side

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc vs Westinghouse iGen12000TFc: 12000 brings extra natural-gas headroom and a 30A twist-lock connection

Quick verdict

The larger inverter is the one to get if you want natural-gas headroom and the extra 30A twist-lock.

Before you buy

Why, and what it costs you

A running load of 4,800W on natural gas

iGen8200TFc shows 480W of nominal margin, against 2,400W for iGen12000TFc. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.

Where this comes from

The measured total running load is assumed to be 4800W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 4800. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.

The catch

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

Just because the outlet is 50A-shaped, do not assume the generator delivers 50A continuously at 240V.

The catch

Westinghouse iGen12000TFc

A 50A-shaped outlet is not proof that the generator supplies 50A continuously at 240V.

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

Why pick it
  • Your loads on natural gas stay under 5280W
  • You prefer a wheeled 134.5lb enclosure for handling
The catch
Just because the outlet is 50A-shaped, do not assume the generator delivers 50A continuously at 240V.
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Westinghouse iGen12000TFc

Westinghouse iGen12000TFc

Why pick it
  • You need 7200W of running power on natural gas
  • You can work with a wheeled 191lb enclosure
The catch
A 50A-shaped outlet is not proof that the generator supplies 50A continuously at 240V.
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Comparison updated , Product data updated , Amazon.com / United States

What this page compares

Here, iGen8200TFc and iGen12000TFc are compared on fuel-specific power, starting demand, voltage and connection limits, ahead of choosing a generator.

The larger inverter is the one to get if you want natural-gas headroom and the extra 30A twist-lock.

Which one fits

Pick the situations that sound like you

  • A continuous natural gas load of 4,800W

    Three fuels and inverter output are supported on both. On natural gas, the smaller machine is rated for 5280W continuously, against 7200W from the larger unit.

    Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
    Depends
    Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
    Depends
  • Moving the generator and starting it when the power is out

    Dry weight is 134.5lb for the iGen8200TFc and 191lb for the iGen12000TFc. Wheels help on level ground, yet lifting either into a vehicle is not a casual one-person job.

    Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
    Depends
    Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
    Depends
  • Hooking up the specified appliances or the home inlet

    L14-30R comes on the iGen12000TFc alongside 14-50R. The iGen8200TFc has a 14-50R plus a separate 120V TT-30R, so check the inlet and cord before you order.

    Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
    Depends
    Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
    Depends
  • The usable 240V current changes on natural gas

    At 240V, the continuous natural-gas equivalents are 22A and 30A. A 50A receptacle therefore does not mean 50A of continuous output is available.

    Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
    Depends
    Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
    Depends

In practice

Differences you will notice

A running load of 4,800W on natural gas

iGen8200TFc shows 480W of nominal margin, against 2,400W for iGen12000TFc. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.

How we worked this out

The measured total running load is assumed to be 4800W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 4800. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.

A total starting event of 6,500W

Measured against this separately specified total starting demand, iGen8200TFc has 60W of published peak margin and iGen12000TFc has 3,300W.

How we worked this out

Take the combined load during one motor start as 6500W, counting the appliances already running. Subtract 6500 from the natural gas starting rating. That shows nothing about surge duration or whether the motor starts successfully.

The usable 240V current changes on natural gas

At 240V, the continuous natural-gas equivalents are 22A and 30A. A 50A receptacle therefore does not mean 50A of continuous output is available.

How we worked this out

5280 ÷ 240 = 22A. 7200 ÷ 240 = 30A. The load is assumed balanced at 240V with power factor 1.0. Limits on the individual 120V legs still matter.

Plug in your numbers

Can either generator run what you need?

This checks hard limits only. Personal preferences are left out of the math.

What needs power when the grid goes down?

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

Works with your numbers

On gasoline, it is rated for 6,600 running and 8,200 starting watts. With reserve, your load plan calls for 1,200 watts running and 2,900 watts starting.

Westinghouse iGen12000TFc

Works with your numbers

On 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.

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 iGen8200TFc

Westinghouse, iGen8200TFc

iGen8200TFc

This enclosed tri-fuel inverter offers 120/240V and remote start. Its 6600W gasoline rating drops to 5940W on propane and 5280W on natural gas, which is why the fuel you pick has to go into your load calculation.

Best for
A tri-fuel inverter on wheels that offers 240V output

Facts we checked

  • Gasoline output of 6600W running and 8200W starting
  • Propane output of 5940W running and 7380W starting
  • Natural gas output of 5280W running and 6560W starting
  • Duplex 5-20R, 120V TT-30R and 120/240V 14-50R
Option B
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc

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

Spec by spec

Where they really differ

Where Westinghouse iGen8200TFc and Westinghouse iGen12000TFc differ
SpecWestinghouse iGen8200TFcWestinghouse iGen12000TFcIn practice
Running and starting output on natural gas5,280W running / 6,560W starting7,200W running / 9,800W startingEach of continuous load and brief starting demand has its own limit.
Handling layout134.5lb wheeled enclosure191lb wheeled enclosureLook at the route out of storage and how it will get into a vehicle.
Connection panel120/240V 14-50R plus 120V TT-30R and duplex 5-20R120/240V 14-50R and L14-30R plus duplex 5-20RMatch the exact receptacle, breaker and cord to the system you intend.
Gasoline tank3.9 gallons7.9 gallonsRuntime at your load cannot be worked out from tank size alone.

Trade-offs

What each pick costs you

With Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

  • Propane and natural gas both rate lower than gasoline. Treat running load and motor starting demand as separate questions.

With Westinghouse iGen12000TFc

  • Ratings are lower on propane or natural gas. Look at the running load and the motor starting demand on their own.

Change of plan

When the answer changes

Your loads on natural gas stay under 5280W

Go with Westinghouse iGen8200TFc. Three fuels and inverter output are supported on both. On natural gas, the smaller machine is rated for 5280W continuously, against 7200W from the larger unit.

You need 7200W of running power on natural gas

Go with Westinghouse iGen12000TFc. Dry weight is 134.5lb for the iGen8200TFc and 191lb for the iGen12000TFc. Wheels help on level ground, yet lifting either into a vehicle is not a casual one-person job.

Decision guide

How to decide

For natural-gas headroom and the additional 30A twist-lock, take the larger inverter.

01

Match the load list to the fuel

Three fuels and inverter output are supported on both. On natural gas, the smaller machine is rated for 5280W continuously, against 7200W from the larger unit.

02

Think about what each is like to live with

Dry weight is 134.5lb for the iGen8200TFc and 191lb for the iGen12000TFc. Wheels help on level ground, yet lifting either into a vehicle is not a casual one-person job.

03

Sort out the connection and installation

L14-30R comes on the iGen12000TFc alongside 14-50R. The iGen8200TFc has a 14-50R plus a separate 120V TT-30R, so check the inlet and cord before you order.

Check these before you buy

  • Write down the true running watts and the largest starting demand that can occur together.
  • With a qualified electrician, work through fuel supply, voltage, receptacle, cord, neutral bonding and transfer equipment.
  • Set it up outside, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, with the exhaust aimed away. Backfeeding a wall outlet is never acceptable.

What this page can’t tell you

  • These figures come from specification-based calculations. They are not measured generator or motor-start tests.
  • Altitude, temperature, fuel supply and per-leg 120V limits can all lower usable output.
  • A CO shutoff does not make indoor use safe, 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 checked
Show the facts and the math
Models in the comparison
24 models
Sources
5 covering these models
Product data updated

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.

The facts and sources behind each product in this recommendation
ProductNeeds it meetsFacts we checkedSources
Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
  • Connect through a home transfer
  • Gasoline output of 6600W running and 8200W starting
  • Propane output of 5940W running and 7380W starting
  • Natural gas output of 5280W running and 6560W starting
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
  • Connect through a home transfer
  • 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

Ready to buy

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