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Westinghouse WGen20000c - 20000/28000W Portable Generator With Remote Start

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. (Read full specs)

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Westinghouse WGen20000c
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Highest Price
$3,799.00
Lowest Price
$2,469.35
Current Price
$3,799.00

Description

Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen20000c

In a few words, the Westinghouse WGen20000c is a powerful portable generator perfectly suited for:

  • Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
  • Prudent homeowners who want a full backup power source in case of a power outage

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.

Power & Run Time

The Westinghouse WGen20000c in use

The Westinghouse WGen20000c

The Westinghouse WGen20000c's engine, 999 cc OHV V-Twin with cast iron sleeve, 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 the Ford FG28KVTWTCO and its cousins, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc and the Westinghouse WGen20000.

The generator is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner). Its starting mechanism is based on an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the WGen20000c can also be remotely started (key fob included).

The WGen20000c's fuel tank, boasting 17.17 gallons, allows it to operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 1.56 GPH).

The <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the WGen20000c ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 9 AC outlets:

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

Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this Westinghouse generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV using 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

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 dimensions of L38 x W35 x H40.4 in, the standard open frame design of the Westinghouse WGen20000c provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

Despite its weight of 541.1 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀13") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.

The generator comes with an additional safety feature, a lift hook on the top of its frame, which is helpful during its transport, loading and unloading.

Features

Panel of the Westinghouse WGen20000c

The WGen20000c's control panel

The control panel of the WGen20000c is equipped with a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, aiding in monitoring its status and activity.

Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.

As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing 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.

Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Westinghouse WGen20000c ships with supplementary accessories: oil, tool kit, funnel and key fob.

Product Video

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).

  • Weighing in at 541.1 lbs, the Westinghouse WGen20000c is one of the heavier generators available in the 14000-20000 rated wattage segment. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 348.3 pounds.
  • Delivering a rated noise output as low as 74 dBA, this generator places itself as one of the most quiet among the units of similar power.
  • In terms of run time, the WGen20000c surpasses similarly powerful devices, boasting one of the highest run times at around 11 hours.
  • While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 1.56 GPH at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.95 GPH, the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc is a device you could look out for.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, 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
  • Impressive quantity of AC outlets
  • 4 different AC outlet types
  • Remote start
  • Clean sine wave
  • Smart Switch Ready
  • Quiet for its power (74 dBA)
  • High run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No recoil back-up
  • On the heavy side (541.1 lbs)
  • Low fuel efficiency

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, cast iron sleeve
AlternatorCopper windings
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% load13 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 2x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 2x 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

We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.

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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 and Vietnam.

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 sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes dryer54006750
Water heater (50 gallons)50008000
Electric range21002100
Clothes iron12701270
Radio100100
Total15987 W18987 W
For workElectric welder90009000
Table saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Reciprocating saw730960
Bug zapper8080
Total15870 W20370 W
When paired with the ST Switch and when auto started during a power failure, are ALL the outlets on the generator powered, or only the outlets that are on the ST Switch? (Asked March 06, 2024)

The generator will only provide up to 20 amps to the ST switch. The rest of the available amps can be drawn directly from the generator's outlets.

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