Question 1

Why oh why can't this be shipped to alaska?  we're the ones that need generators!

Accepted Answer

Count yourself fortunate.  Hurricane Ian hit us hard on Florida's west coast.  My next door neighbor has several Westinghouse generators, and one that was brand new literally caught on fire. He's a general contractor and I'm an aviation engineer, both of us have owned generators for decades. His Westinghouse inverter generator was set up properly and I saw it operational. He's lucky it didn't burn his home down.   The unit is so damaged, it's hard to tell its a generator.  Its the worst generator malfunction that I've ever seen. Including my days in Army aviation.

I'd post pictures of his unit, but Amazon doesn't allow photos, only videos, if you saw the unit, you would likely buy another brand.

Question 2

Is the 50 amp 120/240V 14–50r transfer switch capable or can you only use the 30r? It says 50 amp transfer switch ready on the brochure.

Accepted Answer

: To all the people saying that what Toddd did by hiring a licensed electrician was the wrong way, I'm sure you are mistaken. What do yall think a "manual transfer switch" is? It is just a breaker or switch that you have to manually operate. There is no issue as long as the electrican built it to CODE.

In answer to the question, I believe the description says 50A RV outlet. Which is next to the transfer switch outlet. The transfer switch is a twist lock the RV outlet is not but if you look at the picture provided, it's the one with 4 holes.  That is also 120/240v

Question 3

I know nothing about generators. Can anyone please tell me if this one is good as an emergency one to hook up to the house in California?

Accepted Answer

Generator selection is a personal choice in many ways based on some things like what are you wanting to run from it's power and how many things at the same time.  Generators are typically for the "emergency backup" purpose where they aren't used a lot, so most don't want to put a lot of money into something rarely used.  Some sales people will say "If you ever want to run the house AC system you need a 10,000 watt size, if you want to ever run the clothes dryer you need another 6000 watt added to that, if you ever want to run your oven on the stove you need another 3600 watts, etc" trying to sell you a 50,000 watt generator if they can adding up everything.  Although you could need that big of one to run all of those things at the same time, most find they can run big things one at a time and get away with something ~6000-10,000 watts as big enough.  Obviously the highest priority items are the usually fridge & freezer (so food doesn't go bad), some lights & heating, then the items for "Convenience".  Although many things have the same power needs (like electric clothes dryer needs ~6000 watts, space heaters need 1500 watts as a couple examples) some things like home AC system may need a measurement by someone to see exactly what yours needs as they vary for each size house (if you expect to run it off a generator).
Anyone plugging things in to any electric source needs to learn things like you can't plug in 3 space heaters from the same power strip and turn them all on "high" or you'll burn up wires or pop the circuit breaker.  Likewise any generator has it's limits on what it can run, so you must keep that in mind as you consider what you'll turn on.  I've got my main electrical box with a generator interlock installed and ran a 6000 watt gen where I've turned on my water heater for 1/2 hour (just to try it out), then turned it off and turned on fridges & lights for 1/2 hour, etc to verify I could run each when needed off the generator.  Many say they want a generator with automatic starting when the power goes off that lights up your house within 30 seconds, others will settle for manual switching like I set up to minimize costs.  So there's lots to consider and many choices are for what you want (not what others want to "shove down your throat").  Gas sources are another consideration where some like propane since it doesn't "Go bad" after a year (like regular gas), but the generator power is slightly reduced running on it.  Hope you can find someone who's honest and helps you get what you'll like.

Question 4

Does the fuel gauge measure the propane, or just the gas?

Accepted Answer

Just gas. Use the propane container gauge to measure how much you have left.

Brand	Westinghouse
Wattage	12500 watts
Fuel Type	Gasoline, Propane
Power Source	Fuel Powered
Recommended Uses For Product	Residential
Item Weight	210 Pounds
Voltage	120 Volts
Output Wattage	12500
Special Feature	Automatic Voltage Regulation, Dual Fuel, Electric Start, Fuel Gauge, Hour Meter
Included Components	Battery Charger, Engine Oil & Funnel, Key FOB, Owner's Manual, Propane Hose, Quick-Start Guide, Warranty
Color	- CARB Compliant
Product Dimensions	27.2"L x 26.1"W x 26.5"H
Model Name	Open Frame Generators
Engine Type	4 Stroke
Ignition System Type	electric start
Tank Volume	6.6 Gallons
Engine Displacement	457 Cubic Centimeters
Runtime	12 hours
Total Power Outlets	6
Frequency	60 Hz
Current Rating	50 Amps
Starting Wattage	12500 Watts
Running Wattage	9500 Watts
UPC	853544008298
Manufacturer	Westinghouse
Global Trade Identification Number	00853544008298
Part Number	09503
Item Weight	210 pounds
Item model number	WGen9500DF
Batteries	1 12V batteries required. (included)
Size	WGen9500DF
Style	12500 Watts - Dual Fuel
Pattern	Generator
Horsepower	16.76
Item Package Quantity	1
Sound Level	74 dB
Handle/Lever Placement	Front
Special Features	Automatic Voltage Regulation, Dual Fuel, Electric Start, Fuel Gauge, Hour Meter
Batteries Included?	Yes
Batteries Required?	Yes
Battery Cell Type	Other Than Listed
Warranty Description	3 Year Limited Warranty

Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered

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