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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen20000c
In summary, the Westinghouse WGen20000c is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen20000c's design includes a gasoline-fueled 999 cc OHV V-Twin engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 20,000W and also a peak wattage of 28,000W.
With a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator features a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). To add further convenience, the WGen20000c can be remotely started (key fob included).
The WGen20000c can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 1.56 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 17.17 gallons.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the WGen20000c generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 7 AC outlets:
Even though this Westinghouse generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen20000c is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Westinghouse's ST Switch Outlet

The ST Switch outlet
The WGen20000c is what Westinghouse calls Smart Switch Ready. This means that it features a special outlet that allows for an automatic transfer of power in case of a power outage.
To benefit from this feature, you'll need the Westinghouse ST Switch (opens in a new tab), which is not included with the generator.
Simply put, the ST Switch is a cost-effective and versatile portable automatic transfer switch, which can be installed quickly and easily, without an electrician.
Plug the ST Switch into one of your household 120V outlets, plug your appliances to the ST Switch, and connect the WGen20000c to the ST Switch via the special outlet and a 120V cord. The generator will automatically turn on when the power goes out, and automatically turn off when the power returns.
Portability
The Westinghouse WGen20000c has the following dimensions: L38 x W35 x H40.4 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Since the generator weighs 541.1 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀13") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.
Features
The WGen20000c's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
It also includes a carbon monoxide sensor. This sensor is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Westinghouse WGen20000c also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, key fob, funnel and oil.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen20000c is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
The Westinghouse WGen20000c versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen20000c compare to generators of similar power (between 14000 and 20000 W).
- With its weight of 541.1 lbs, the Westinghouse WGen20000c is one of the heavier generators in the 14000-20000 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Generac GP15000E with only 363 pounds.
- The WGen20000c provides one of the highest run time among similarly powerful devices, reaching around 11 hours at 50% load.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. As this generator uses an estimated 1.56 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Generac GP15500EFI, with a fuel consumption of 1.29 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 14000-20000W generators, the Westinghouse WGen20000c is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- CO Sensor
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Remote start
- Clean sine wave
- Smart Switch Ready
- High run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No recoil back-up
- Not CARB-compliant
- On the heavy side (541.1 lbs)
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 999 cc OHV V-Twin |
Starting system | Electric, Remote |
Warranty | 3 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
---|---|
Running watts | 20,000 W |
Starting watts | 28,000 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 166.7/83.3 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 233.3/116.7 amps |
Run time @50% load | 11 h |
Run time @25% load | 17 h |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | 17.17 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 541.1 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 38 x 35 x 40.4 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
THD | < 5% |
Compliance | EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery, and wheel kit |
UPC | 850032657259 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About Westinghouse
The US based Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment is a legacy subsidiary of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, founded in 1886. While the company has been acquired and merged into the American CBS, the Westinghouse name remains as the brand name for many of their electrical solutions, which stretch across the scale from power plants to portable generators. Portable generators – the main product of the Outdoor Power Equipment branch of Westinghouse – used to be manufactured by Westpro Power Systems, which was bought in 2016 by Midwest Equipment. Lawn equipment, such as trimmers and blowers, is also sold under the Westinghouse brand name. All of their products are designed in the US. However, they are in many cases manufactured in China.
Warranty Information
The Westinghouse WGen20000c is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Westinghouse generators, please consult Westinghouse's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-855-944-3571.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
---|---|---|---|
At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
Security system | 180 | 180 | |
Total | 15997 W | 17497 W | |
For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
Table saw | 1800 | 4500 | |
Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 15870 W | 20370 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.