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Do generators run on propane? Yes, dual fuel generators do, while a gas-only generator does not. The question comes up when the lights go out and the fuel on hand is a propane tank rather than a gas can, or when a camper wants one generator that can burn whatever fuel is at hand. This guide explains which generators run on propane, what changes when the fuel changes, and how to plan the supply.
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The quick answer: do generators run on propane
Yes, if the generator is a dual fuel model. The listings in this guide include 5 dual fuel generators that run on gasoline and propane, and 1 gas-only inverter generator that runs on gasoline alone. A dual fuel generator switches between fuels, and the DuroMax listing states the fuel type can be changed in seconds from the front interface. Propane gives lower watts than gasoline in every listing that states a figure for each fuel, so check the propane watts before counting on the generator to carry a load.
Step 1: Check whether the generator is dual fuel
Read the title and the fuel list before buying. A dual fuel listing names gasoline and propane: the Westinghouse 12500 Watt (on Amazon) listing says Gas and Propane Powered, the Westinghouse iGen2800DFc says Gas and Propane Powered, the DuroMax XP13000EH (on Amazon) says Gas and Propane, the PowerSmart says Dual Fuel, and the A-iPower says Dual Fuel. The Oxseryn listing says Gas Powered only, with 4400 peak watts and 3400 running watts, so it runs on gasoline and not on propane. If the listing names one fuel, the generator takes that fuel only.
Step 2: Compare the watts on propane
Propane gives fewer watts than gasoline in every listing here that states a figure for each fuel.
The Westinghouse 12500 Watt generator lists 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts on gasoline, and 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts on propane. The Westinghouse iGen2800DFc lists 2,800W peak and 2,200W running on gasoline, and 2,520W peak and 1,980W running on propane. The PowerSmart lists 3800 starting watts and 3300 running watts on gasoline, and 3500 starting watts and 3100 running watts on propane. The A-iPower lists 2,300 starting watts and 1,800 running watts on gas, and 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts on propane. The DuroMax lists 13,000 watts with no split by fuel stated, so read the listing for the propane figure before sizing a load.
| Generator | Gasoline | Propane | Run time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel | 12500 peak / 9500 running | 11200 peak / 8500 running | Up to 12 hours |
| Westinghouse iGen2800DFc | 2,800W peak / 2,200W running | 2,520W peak / 1,980W running | Up to 12 hours at 25% load |
| DuroMax XP13000EH | 13,000 watts | Not stated | Not stated |
| PowerSmart 3800 Watt | 3800 starting / 3300 running | 3500 starting / 3100 running | 8 hours at 25% load on gas; up to 24 hours on propane |
| A-iPower 2300W | 2,300 starting / 1,800 running | 2,000 starting / 1,600 running | Not stated |
| Oxseryn 4400 Watts | 4400 peak / 3400 running | Gasoline only | Up to 14 hours at 25% load |
Step 3: Plan the propane supply and run time
Propane run time comes from the tank, not the generator alone. The PowerSmart lists 8 hours at 25% load on its 1.3-gallon gas tank, or up to 24 hours with a standard 20-lb propane tank. The Westinghouse 12500 Watt generator lists up to 12 hours of run time, and the Westinghouse iGen2800DFc lists up to 12 hours of run time at 25% load. The Oxseryn lists up to 14 hours at 25% load with ECO mode on its 2 gallon fuel tank. Keep a propane tank on hand before the outage, and check the run time the listing states for the load the generator will carry.
Step 4: Check the outlets, noise and CO sensor
Outlets decide what plugs in. The Westinghouse 12500 Watt generator has two GFCI 120V 5-20R 20A household receptacles, one 120V L14-30R 30A receptacle, and one RV ready 120/240V 14-50R 50A receptacle. The Westinghouse iGen2800DFc has a 120V TT-30R 30A outlet and a 120V 5-20R 20A outlet. The PowerSmart has a 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, a 120V 20A 5-20R duplex household outlet, a 12V 8A DC port and dual 5V 2.1A USB ports. The A-iPower has 2x USB 5VDC, 1x 8.3A 12VDC, 1x L5-30R 30A 120V and 1x Duplex 5-20R 20A 120V. The Oxseryn has 2x120V AC ports, 1x12V DC port and 1xRV port. Noise runs from 52 dBA on the Westinghouse iGen2800DFc to 59 dBA on the PowerSmart at Eco Mode, 61dB on the A-iPower, and under 72 dBA from 23FT away on the Oxseryn. The Westinghouse iGen2800DFc, the PowerSmart and the A-iPower list a CO sensor. A fuel generator runs outdoors only, far from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide.
Ways to get the most from propane
- Check the propane watts before sizing a load: propane gives fewer watts than gasoline in every listing here that states a figure for each fuel.
- Keep a standard 20-lb propane tank on hand, since the PowerSmart lists up to 24 hours with one.
- Use ECO mode where the listing states it: the Oxseryn, the Westinghouse iGen2800DFc and the PowerSmart all list an ECO or Eco mode.
- Match the outlet to the load: a 120V TT-30R 30A outlet for a camper, a 120V 5-20R 20A outlet for household items.
- Check the weight before moving the unit: the A-iPower weighs 40.3 pounds and the Westinghouse iGen2800DFc weighs 45 pounds, while the DuroMax weighs 234.0 pounds.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Do generators run on propane?
Yes, dual fuel generators do. The listings here include 5 dual fuel models that run on gasoline and propane, and 1 gas-only model that runs on gasoline alone. If the listing names one fuel, the generator takes that fuel only.
Do generators make less power on propane?
Yes, in every listing here that states a figure for each fuel. The Westinghouse 12500 Watt generator lists 9500 running watts on gasoline and 8500 running watts on propane, and the PowerSmart lists 3300 running watts on gasoline and 3100 running watts on propane.
How long does a generator run on propane?
The PowerSmart lists up to 24 hours with a standard 20-lb propane tank. The Westinghouse iGen2800DFc lists up to 12 hours of run time at 25% load, and the Westinghouse 12500 Watt generator lists up to 12 hours of run time.
Can a gas-only generator run on propane?
No. The Oxseryn listing says Gas Powered, with 4400 peak watts and 3400 running watts, and states no propane use. A dual fuel listing names gasoline and propane, so check the fuel list before buying.
What outlets do dual fuel generators have?
The listings state 120V 30A twist-lock, 120V TT-30R 30A RV, 120V 5-20R 20A household, 12V DC and 5V USB outlets. The Westinghouse 12500 Watt generator also lists a 120/240V 14-50R 50A RV receptacle.
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