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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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
- Small homeowners in search of a full power backup solution
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen20000c
The Westinghouse WGen20000c's core is the 999 cc OHV V-Twin engine with cast iron sleeve, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 20,000W and a peak wattage of 28,000W. The impressive running wattage makes this unit the 2nd biggest portable generator currently on the market, along with the Ford FG28KVTWTCO and its cousins, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc and the Westinghouse WGen20000.
The generator features a convenient and efficient electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner). Additionally, the WGen20000c may be remotely started, enhancing user convenience (key fob included).
Featuring a 17.17 gallons fuel tank, the WGen20000c can provide power for around 11 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 1.56 gallons per hour).
As the WGen20000c produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 9 AC outlets:
This Westinghouse generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. Besides, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen20000c is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
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
Measuring L38 x W35 x H40.4 in, the classic open frame construction of the Westinghouse WGen20000c provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
As the generator's weight is 541.1 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (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.
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
The WGen20000c's control panel
To help you monitor the WGen20000c's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a convenient meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data.
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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Westinghouse WGen20000c is bundled with additional accessories: funnel, key fob, tool kit and oil.
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 22000 W).
- Tipping the scales at 541.1 lbs, the Westinghouse WGen20000c qualifies as one of the heavier options among generators rated between 14000 and 22000 watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc, standing at just 348.3 lbs.
- This generator offers a rated noise level of 74 dBA, placing it among the quieter alternatives in its power category. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the DuroMax XP28000iH stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 70 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 11 hours at 50% load, the WGen20000c benefits from one of the highest run times among generators of a similar output.
- 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. This generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 1.56 GPH at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.95 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 14000-22000W 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
- 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
- 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
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 999 cc OHV V-Twin, cast iron sleeve |
| Alternator | Copper windings |
| 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 | 13 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 |
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.
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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| 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 |
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.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
