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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 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, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen20000c
The Westinghouse WGen20000c is powered by a 999 cc OHV V-Twin engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 20,000W as well as a peak wattage of 28,000W. The impressive running wattage makes this unit the biggest portable generator currently on the market, along with its cousins, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc and the Westinghouse WGen20000.
The generator features a no-fuss and convenient electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher). In addition, the WGen20000c also supports remote starting, enhancing user convenience (key fob included).
Featuring a 17.17 gallons fuel tank, the WGen20000c guarantees continuous power for around 11 hours at 50% load on a full tank (fuel consumption around 1.56 GPH).
The WGen20000c produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 9 AC outlets:
Even if this Westinghouse generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle. Besides, due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen20000c is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
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
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. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Despite its weight of 541.1 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit (⌀13") and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned 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
For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the WGen20000c includes a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
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: key fob, funnel, 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 20000 W).
- With a weight of 541.1 lbs, the Westinghouse WGen20000c is notably on the heavier side among generators in the 14000-20000 rated wattage range. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM17000iE, with a dry weight of just 308.6 pounds.
- With noise emissions reaching as low as 74 dBA, this generator has a noise level typical for devices of its power category. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Genmax GM17000iE appealing. It's rated at 63 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- As the WGen20000c features an autonomy of around 11 hours at 50% load, it has one of the highest run times in comparison to the other generators of its power range.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This generator is somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 1.56 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.95 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
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
- 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
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
- No recoil back-up
- On the heavy side (541.1 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
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 | 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 |
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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| 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.
