Kohler 12RESV 12kW is a home standby generator from Kohler, rated 12,000 running watts on propane and 11,000 W on natural gas, measured at 69 dBA, with 120/240V output.
MSRP: $4,283
General
Type
home-standby
Fuel
natural-gas, propane
Power output
Running watts (gas / LP for standby)
12000 W
Running watts (propane)
12000 W
Running watts (natural gas)
11000 W
Performance
Noise level
69 dBA
NG use at half load
128 ft³/h
Electrical
Output voltage
120/240V
Automatic transfer switch included
No
Main-line circuit breaker
60 A
Features
Start type
automatic
Engine
Engine
Kohler KT725
Engine displacement
725 cc
Physical
Weight
433 lb
Warranty
Warranty
5 yr
What the numbers mean
At 12,000 running watts
on its best fuel, this unit covers most household circuits through an appropriately sized transfer switch; central air conditioning typically needs load management or a soft starter.
Runs on natural gas, propane — expect lower output on propane (roughly
10%) and natural gas (roughly 20%) than on gasoline; the spec table shows the
published per-fuel ratings.
Estimated fuel cost for 24 h at ~50% load: about $46 on natural gas at
national average prices (assumptions).
Permanently installed unit: sizing, gas-line capacity, placement clearances, and
the transfer switch are a job for licensed installers under local permits.
What can the Kohler 12RESV 12kW run during an outage?
With 12,000 running watts on its best fuel, the Kohler 12RESV 12kW covers most household circuits through an appropriately sized transfer switch; central air conditioning typically needs load management or a soft starter. Add up your actual loads with a sizing worksheet — the bands here are rough guidance, not a load calculation.
What does the Kohler 12RESV 12kW cost to run for a day?
Roughly $46 for 24 hours of continuous operation at about 50% load on natural gas, at national average fuel prices. The assumptions behind this estimate are documented on the methodology page; your fuel price and load change the figure.
Does the Kohler 12RESV 12kW start automatically?
Yes — home standby generators monitor utility power and start themselves when it fails; pairing it with an appropriately sized automatic transfer switch (sold separately for some configurations) completes the automatic changeover.
