How Much Load Can A Generator Of This Size Handle In An Emergency Situation? 12,500 Peak Watts

[@iamgabriel5823]

I have this generator. It meets my needs perfectly, but I don't have all those electronic items. Just need to run the fridge, lights, microwave, swamp cooler (in summer) and dishwasher. My house is heated completely with a woodstove.

[@JetFire9]

Love my Wgen11500TFc running on natural gas. No worrying about refilling the tank every hours and constant trips to the gas station. It puts out the same exact watts as this generator on gas, but the THD is

[@tylergoldstein2928]

Wow, only 5% THD? I have been debating on the 9500, 10500, or 11500 tri-fuel to run on natural gas, and this comment is great to see. Can I hook it right up to my BBQ NG hookup in the backyard?

[@seekthetruth5440]

Nice Ty. That was awesome. Just bought one and the info will come in very handy ☮️

[@billhawthorne989]

Good content! I have same generator, works well and your experience is similar to mine. I used 50 amp plug with 6 gauge stranded cord into 50 amp breaker. Box has a generator interlock that I built. I have 100 amp service in this 140 year old farm house.

[@timknight6258]

Thanks for this video. We have this generator but an electrician said it would not power our ac or our house. We live in a 1700 sq ft manufactured home. Ac/Heat are what we are concerned about. We have a gas range. From everything I have seen or read this should work for us.

[@adamcieslinski9505]

We have this generator and our electrician said adding a soft starter to AC would make it work with this unit.

[@JetFire9]

Yeah, you just need a soft start. Buy any brand, but Micro-Air. They are putting out junk now and cost more than the others.

[@dinospumoni8860]

Got one of these for my house. Did an interlock with outside outlet back feeding through 50 amp breaker. My house only has 100 amp service so should be able to run most of my house. Just gotta get a soft start for my ac next summer should be good to go.

[@danieldupre1415]

Thank you for posting the video. I have this exact same generator and was able to run the following simultaneously : my Heat Pump (Trane - highest end-cost ~$24M), all 120 volt house circuits, a single (small) stove element,) total 5076 watts, 22.5 amps. I am very reluctant to run my heat pump because of the +/-23% THD and would not have purchased this particular unit had I researched and known the specs beforehand, but definitely would purchase a Westinghouse (their customer service is amazing).

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xGamesForEntertainmentx]

Outstanding content, fascinating build-up load cycling concept.

[@kevinr5187]

Good video. I have the Igen10500 Tri fuel and while using propane was able to run a 4 ton AC along with house lights, two refrigerators and a freezer. I plan on getting my house set up with a natural gas connection to have a continuous fuel source. Looking back I wish I would’ve punches the igen11500 Tri fuel, because it produces cleaner power and would produce a little more power.

[@tylergoldstein2928]

How do you know the igen11500 Tri fuel produces cleaner power? I am trying to decide on the size to get, 9500 or 11500. I want something that won't fry my laptop.

[@kevinr5187]

Look for low THD less than 6. Total harmonic distortion. IGEN 11500.

[@donschlonski2936]

I have the dual fuel Westinghouse and after sitting for 6 months on its own charger All it does is click when I put it and start mode. I can hear the starter click once and that's it. I tried jumping it with a booster pack with no change. Could the battery still show 12 volts on a meter and s*** the bed for starting?

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Yes, batteries can show good charge until the battery sees a load, but if you have a good booster pack it may not be the battery. Corroded and loose battery cable connections can do the same thing. Also, check the connects at ground and the power cable to the starter. Could be something more but hard to diagnose here in chat. Good luck!

[@shenmisheshou7002]

For A/C or heat pump, you should look at the Locked Rotor Amperage (LRA) of the heat pump or air conditioner. There is a label on the outside unit that will provide this figure. When the AC compressor is stopped, to start it turning, it has to fight the pressure in the system and generate the torque to overcome inertia. To do this, the compressor needs a very large spike of current to "un-lock" it and get it spinning. This current can be as much as 2.5 times the amount of current required to keep the compressor turning once it has started running. For example, my 3.5 ton heat pump has a LRA of 109 amps, or about 13,000 watts. This is where the peak current output if the generator comes in. The generator will have a continuous rating, but when an electric motor starts, the LRA will be much higher than the continuous draw, and the generator can usually accommodate these spikes coming from things like refrigerators or the circulation fan in the central air. It would be a coincidence for every motor in the home to start at exactly the same time, but on the chance that it did happen, the combined current to overcome the locked rotor of a fridge and a heat pump could easily trip the breaker. A Microwave can draw 1700 watts, so if a microwave was running, that could put you over the top. There are two ways to reduce the LRA draw. The first is called a "Hard Start" kit, which is esentially a bigger start capacitor but there is a lot of controversy on whether this will shorten the life of the compressor (I think it is a bad idea personally) and a"Soft Start" kit. The soft start kit is an electronic current current delivery manager that will step up the current in phases and this can reduce LRA by about 40%, and I think it can do so safely. The latest heat pumps are ""Inverter" heat pumps. These allow the compressor to run at varying speeds depending on the load. They are far more efficient (SEER of 26 v SEER of 17 or 18, which was considered high efficiency in the past). These will by nature have a lower LRA. To start a 3 ton A/C, you really need to have about 10KW peak, but that full KW has to be available. If you are running a Freezer and a Fridge, your internet, some lights, and even a coffee maker, your constrant current demand may be enough that the generator cannot satisify the additional 10KW peak and the breaker will trip.

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Great information in your comment for folks to consider/understand. Thank you for taking the time!

[@shenmisheshou7002]

@@thehillbillyfarmers My pleasure. I am a big proponent of having a generator but it takes a pretty big generator to run a 3.5 ton AC.

[@kevinharris81]

This is a great explanation of LRA draw with electrical equipment.

[@otuagoma]

​@@shenmisheshou7002do you think this generator is ok ?

[@Texasfishingaddict]

Did you have a soft start installed on your house ac unit thanks in advance

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

No. We do not have soft starters installed on any of the air conditioning. I discuss how we avoided using soft starts at about 40 seconds into the video. Hope that helps!

[@Texasfishingaddict]

@@thehillbillyfarmers yes definitely thank you

[@davejohn255]

I have the same Generator and it's been great. Never occurred to me to run the Heat Pump as I am running it on propane (2 40 Gal tanks). I do have backup heat tho (Propane fireplace 100 Gal tank). I might try it for AC if it is a hot day in summer. I'll turn everything else off though except for router lights and TV. My Heat Pump is only 4 ton.

[@texasaggieproud]

Isn't that destroying your genset? I've got this identical unit and it's very specific about overloading it. I'd like know how it'll run using actual heat (HVAC) rather than cooling.

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

The topic is somewhat controversial regarding destruction of the genset, however, hopefully sharing our experience will help someone out somehow. We purchased it to power farm operations when the power goes out. If the power were to go out at exactly the right (bad) time, then one use will more than pay for the generator regarding spoiled products. Hope that helps a little, take care.

[@celehsaf3619]

@@thehillbillyfarmers can 9 KVA generator run two hairdryers 2000 watts each at the same time?

[@lonewolftech]

That should be a total of around 4.71 kva so yes a 9kva genset can run them. Not sure why you would need that really though…

[@hank3284]

You're gonna wanna size your wire properly. If you're using the 50a plug you need #6 wire.

[@mikepizzolatto5201]

who makes the engine for this generator and how often do you have to change the oil? thanks

[@condor5635]

@@ko4otv43 - every 100 hrs?? Do you want to keep this long term? That is way too long. Oil is cheap. No more than evey 50 hrs

[@condor5635]

@@ko4otv43 - well all I can tell you is no manufacturer instructions or general guidance. Anywhere on the web would say run it for 100 hours before changing it. Westinghouse says 50 hours and whoever listens to what the manufacturer says. If it was mine, I change it every 30 to 40. But you can do it you want your generator 😀

[@condor5635]

@@ko4otv43 - let's cut to the chase. I just looked up your manual and like every Westinghouse it says 50hrs! No manual is EVER going to say something like 'change the oil like every 100-200 hours' LOL. Look - you have success at 100hr changes just keep doing what makes you happy

[@M35a2guy]

I suspect your biggest problem was unbalanced 120v loads across the 240 volt winding with center tap. You would be much better off using an auto transformer to generate the neutral so you get full power across the 240 volt winding without tripping a breaker.

[@gene2200]

My 9500 peak watt runs my my small 2bedroom hm with a 60 amp service just fine. AC , an in wall unit, is 18000btu @ 18amps I think, besides that there's never any large loads on it besides 2 small space heaters. Engine doesn't really use any oil after 1000 hrs, I use Lucas full syn, same for my Harley for air cooled engines. Is custom enclosed with 2 fans and remote temp guage. It's almost "smart" and the remote is an extra nice feature. If the gas tank were larger I'd be nice but that's small potatoes and if used on a semi regular basis the battery stays charged. I have no complaints.

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chris-jg5bt]

is there a reset if the generator was overloaded

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Yes. There is a 50 A double pole main breaker on this particular generator.

[@otuagoma]

I ordered the same one yesterday, woman here by myself, can I ask for more help here if I need to ? Do I need an electrician ?

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Thank you, but we can't be of much help here in the comment section. Electricity can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. We highly recommend consulting an electrician to make sure things are correct. We hope all goes well!

[@dalebourgeois9851]

I looked at the specification on this generator (9500) and it sayes 37amps. Why is that if it has a 50amp plug. The Westinghouse 12000 shows 50amps on its specification. I'm not understanding that, is the 9500 putting out 50amps? Has anyone checked?

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

This was a big deal when we selected this generator regarding the 30 amp versus 50 amp plug. First look up Root Mean Square (RMS) versus Peak to understand what's going on with the two different ratings. 12,500 watts/ 240 volts = 50 amps (roughly). It can handle a peak load of 12,000 watts for a few moments. It can run 9,500 watts continuously without fault. Hope that helps.

[@gene2200]

9500 watts is "start up" watts, not continuous

[@michaele8316]

@@gene2200 this model is 12500 start up. 9500 continuous

[@JCourts2k23]

My neighbor just bought a generator like this, I can't remember if it's 9500, or 12,500, but it is a tri fuel

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Awesome! Tri-fuel is good for sure. Propane and natural gas derate the wattage output compared to gasoline (something to keep in mind).

[@OlGoodJoe]

You're getting what could be some serious voltage drop through that 8 gauge cord on a 50A connection. Should be at least 6 gauge.

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

If it were aluminum wire then you would be correct. We consulted an electrical designer to ensure the wire size was correct for our application.

[@martinwagnerproductions]

@@thehillbillyfarmers no he’s right man. 6 gauge is the only gauge you should use for a true 50 amp set up.

[@condor5635]

@@thehillbillyfarmers - your electrical designer needs a refresher. 50 amp cords and setups need 6 Awg wire. Look it up. Don't burn your house down.

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

@@condor5635 6 AWG Copper or Aluminum?

[@condor5635]

@@thehillbillyfarmers - 6 Awg for Copper and 4 for aluminum. Why anyone would use aluminum I don’t know

[@sherylledbetter3202]

How do you hook this up to your breakers? Or best place to research how to do it?

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Look up "transfer switch" and "interlock" on KZbin and you should start to find some answers.

[@TheAutumnWind_RN4L]

You sound like a young Michael Keaton.

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Because BATMAN! lol

[@TheAutumnWind_RN4L]

@@thehillbillyfarmers exactly.

[@theproclaimer588]

Thanks for this. Not sure I would consider A/C as essential. That said you made some helpful observations.

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DinsmoreOutdoors]

Clearly you dont live in FL!

[@theproclaimer588]

@@DinsmoreOutdoors true.

[@stephenhorton2184]

I wonder if it would run a clothes dryer

[@fernandothewelder]

I wonder has anybody tried running a mig welder

[@timmybui6062]

You need a whole home generator pro!

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

You are correct!

[@ridgerunner7980]

23 % thd

[@Samlol23_drrich]

@@Mfilhere is the thing about that; I believe it’s not actually 23 percent. I think there are tiers of thd. The first one is under 5 percent. The second is less than 23 percent. It can be 10 percent, 13 percent etc. I I’ve had the 7000 watt version of this for at least 6 years. Powered 2 subzero refrigerators with a lot of electronics, a variable well pump and controller, microwave, tv, all without incident. Would I like lower thd? Yes. But 3x as expensive and eats fuel. I would imagine based on the number of people with these generators that if blowing up electronics was common there would be hundreds of comments on it. And yet there are almost none. I truly don’t think it’s as big of an issue as most think.

[@donschlonski2936]

​@@Mfil according to Westinghouse the 12,500 dual fuel generator has less than 5%

[@Gamble_On]

@@Mfil THD is overrated. Just another way to raise the price.

[@danieldupre1415]

I am curious where you got this information from , the owners manual says THD is 23% - but I tend to agree with Samlol_drrich comment above. I purchased the generator without knowing anything about THD and after I learned more about it --- I would not have purchased this generator.......but now I am sort of stuck

[@MrBritrider]

We hear a lot about this type of generator and high THD, even Westinghouse support told me that it’s really not for sensitive appliances, devices and high tech circuit boards. The girl at support said good for other things like tools, refrigerators, fans and lights. Ah, ok.. but don’t most modern refers contain complicated circuit boards? Also, if my WGen9500 is not for devices, why did they stick USB ports on the panel?

[@Lloydski]

I see this is old just Install an Easy Start in your big AC compressor and don't worry about shutting anything off. You want to look for( LRA) Lock Rotor Amps on your AC compressors label that's what amps it takes to start the unit. Even if you don't own this geny anymore an Easy Start is the way to go. It will add years to your compressors life and has a diagnostic app so an AC guy won't rip ya off when the Easy Start says its just a bad capacitor.

[@thehillbillyfarmers]

Thanks for sharing