Generators

Review: The Westinghouse WPro8500 is a 8500 continuous watt beast and comes equipped with Smart Idle Control, wireless remote start and front panel electric start in addition to the pull start option. It comes with a number of receptacles including: (2) GFCI 5-20R household duplex outlets, (1) Transfer Switch Ready L14-30R 120/240-Volt twist-lock, (1) 120V L5-30R receptacle, and (2) USB ports with rubber outlet covers. The WPro8500 comes with oil, funnel, spark plug wrench, starting battery and wheel kit included.

On the jobsite, the Smart Idle Control is fuel saver, lowering both noise and fuel consumption. Once the smallest load is detected, the WPro8500 revs up to full speed to provide 240V 60Hz AC power. When Smart Idle Control is engaged, the voltage drops to about 206 volts and far less the 60Hz . As soon as a power saw or air compressor kicks on, Smart Idle is disabled and the generator automatically revs up to full speed. According to Westinghouse website, one tank of gas will last up to 12 hours.

The WPro8500 works well as an emergency home backup generator. A 2500 sqft all electric home will consume well beyond 8500 watts during peak demand. In this case, the electric water heater and HVAC were turned off for most of the testing duration. Outside of these, all other breakers for lights, receptacles and appliances remained operational. The generator performed flawlessly. It never entered the Smart Idle state and never labored when running lights, fans, microwave, refrigerator or coffee maker. The only noticeable struggle came with the big appliances kicked on. The massive inrush current of the electric dryer and later the electric oven and stove made the WPro8500 noticeably load up and open the throttle a bit.

The unit has an adequate muffler that blows exhaust horizontally and slightly toward the ground. In no way is it quiet as an inverter generator but my observations suggests there is noticeable sound coming from the air filter/intake area of the generator. The 6.6 gallon gas tank is all metal with a built-in fuel gauge. Right out of the box, the onboard GFCI tripped when connected to a home transfer switch because the house main breaker panel has a bonded neutral. Following the directions for floating the neutral on the generator, presented in the SB10.23.18 service bulletin, resolved this issue. How to float the neutral on WPro8500

The WPro8500 is a reliable high output portable generator that produces quality ac electricity with less that 5%THD. It can handle power needs at home or jobsite equally well. Household appliances with electronic circuit boards have no trouble with the electricity it produces and have continued to work without issue in the months since testing was performed. While not exactly quiet, testing shows it is substantially quieter than a lawn mower. This Westinghouse will keep your lights on, freezer cold and tools running.