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Westinghouse WGen20000c - 20000/28000W Portable Generator

The Westinghouse WGen20000c is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 20,000 W and a starting wattage of 28,000 W.

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Price History
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Price history for the Westinghouse WGen20000c
Latest updates:
  • $3,799.00 - August 30, 2023
  • $3,893.97 - August 27, 2023
  • $3,799.00 - July 21, 2023
  • $3,893.97 - July 20, 2023
  • $3,799.00 - May 8, 2023
Data source: homedepot.com
Since: May 8, 2023
  • Highest Price: $3,893.97 - July 20, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $3,799.00 - May 8, 2023

Description

Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen20000c

In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen20000c is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures

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 in use

The Westinghouse WGen20000c

The Westinghouse WGen20000c's engine, 999 cc OHV V-Twin, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 20,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 28,000W. The impressive running wattage makes this unit the biggest portable generator currently on the market, along with its cousin, the Westinghouse WGen20000.

The generator features a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher). To add further convenience, the WGen20000c can be remotely started (key fob included).

The fuel capacity of 17.17 gallons allows the WGen20000c to operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 1.56 GPH).

The WGen20000c generates a clean sine wave: providing <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 7 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

While this Westinghouse generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as the WGen20000c holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.

Westinghouse's ST Switch Outlet

Picture of the 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

With its dimensions of L38 x W35 x H40.4 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Westinghouse WGen20000c offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 541.1 pounds. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀13") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.

A lift hook located on the top of the frame offers an additional safety feature while facilitating the transport, loading and unloading of the generator.

Features

Panel of the Westinghouse WGen20000c

The WGen20000c's control panel

The WGen20000c and its control panel include a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.

The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.

As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.

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.

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Westinghouse WGen20000c also comes with some accessories: oil, funnel, key fob and tool kit are included.

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, making it usable 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).

  • A weight of 541.1 lbs makes the Westinghouse WGen20000c one of the heavier devices in the 14000-20000 rated wattage range. 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.
  • Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. 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 fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Generac GP15500EFI, which has a fuel consumption of only 1.29 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.

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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • CO Sensor
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • 4 different AC outlet types
  • Remote start
  • Clean sine wave
  • Smart Switch Ready
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No recoil back-up
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the heavy side (541.1 lbs)

Do you own the Westinghouse WGen20000c and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine999 cc OHV V-Twin
Starting systemElectric, Remote
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts20,000 W
Starting watts28,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)166.7/83.3 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)233.3/116.7 amps
Run time @50% load11 h
Run time @25% load17 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank17.17 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight541.1 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)38 x 35 x 40.4 in
Noise (lower limit)74 dBA
THD< 5%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery, and wheel kit
UPC850032657259

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.

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes dryer54006750
Electric range21002100
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Dish washer15003000
Clothes iron12701270
LED TV150150
Total15987 W17487 W
For workElectric welder90009000
Table saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Reciprocating saw730960
Bug zapper8080
Total15870 W20370 W

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