The Westinghouse WGen20000TFc is a powerful open frame tri-fuel 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 WGen20000TFc
In summary, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
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 WGen20000TFc
The Westinghouse WGen20000TFc delivers 120/240V and is equipped with a tri-fuel technology, enabling it to operate on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When powered by gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 20,000W and a peak wattage of 28,000W. Switching to propane provides 18,000 rated watts and 25,500 peak watts, while natural gas operation delivers 16,000W of rated wattage and 22,400W of starting wattage.
Rated for 79 dBA (less noisy than a shower), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included). For additional convenience, the WGen20000TFc may also be remotely started (key fob included).
In terms of run time, the WGen20000TFc, boasting a 17.17 gallons fuel tank, can run for around 10.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (with fuel consumption averaging 1.64 gallons per hour). Additionally, it provides around 2.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.88 GPH) of operation with propane.
The WGen20000TFc generates a clean sine wave with <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring minimal electrical noise and fluctuations. This feature makes it ideal for powering sensitive electronics, providing stable and reliable AC power through the outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes 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, since it boasts a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen20000TFc is engineered to be transfer switch ready, ensuring easy integration with your breaker box to provide backup power to your home during outages.
Westinghouse's ST Switch Outlet
The ST Switch outlet
The WGen20000TFc 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 WGen20000TFc 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 L38 x W35 x H40.4 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc guarantees stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Since the generator weighs 557 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, 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
The WGen20000TFc's control panel
Included in the control panel of the WGen20000TFc are a convenient meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information, essential for monitoring its status and activity.
Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to 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 WGen20000TFc is bundled with additional accessories: natural gas hose with NPT adapter, funnel, propane hose, oil, battery charger, tool kit and key fob.
The Westinghouse WGen20000TFc versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc compare to generators of similar power (between 14000 and 20000 W).
- A weight of 557 lbs makes the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc one of the heaviest devices in the 14000-20000 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Genmax GM17000iE, standing at just 308.6 lbs.
- This generator, with its lowest noise level at 79 dBA, is noisier than most generators of comparable running wattage. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Genmax GM17000iE is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 63 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- With around 10.5 hours of runtime at 50% load, the WGen20000TFc provides a higher run time when compared to similarly powerful products. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 11 hours.
- 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. Compared to similar devices, this generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 1.64 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 50% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.95 GPH.
The bottom line
- Tri-fuel
- 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
- No recoil back-up
- On the heavy side (557 lbs)
- On the noisy side (79 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Tri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas) |
| Engine | 999 cc OHV V-Twin |
| Starting system | Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | LPG | NG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 20,000 W | 18,000 W | 16,000 W |
| Starting watts | 28,000 W | 25,500 W | 22,400 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 166.7/83.3 amps | 150/75 amps | 133.3/66.7 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 233.3/116.7 amps | 212.5/106.3 amps | 186.7/93.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.5 h | 2.5 h | N/A |
| Run time @25% load | 13 h | 3 h | N/A |
| 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 | 557 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 38 x 35 x 40.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 79 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 850032657785 |
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 WGen20000TFc 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Laptop | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 15987 W | 17487 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 |
Article states "...offers around 2.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.88 GPH) of operation when using propane." Most 20lbs propane tanks are filled with 15lbs now. Was the 1.8 GPH calculated off of 20Lbs of propane or 15? (Asked July 18, 2024)
Since these are the manufacturer's values, it's fairly safe to assume that they want them to look as good as possible, and that the tank was as full as it can be.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
