Westinghouse WGen20000TFc - 20000/28000W Tri Fuel Generator With Remote Start
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 a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- 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 WGen20000TFc delivers 120/240V and features a tri-fuel technology, granting it the capability to utilize gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When utilizing gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 20,000W and a peak wattage of 28,000W. Upon switching to propane, it benefits from 18,000 rated watts and 25,500 peak watts. Transitioning to natural gas operation provides 16,000W of rated wattage and 22,400W of starting wattage.
Rated for 79 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). To increase convenience, the WGen20000TFc offers remote starting functionality, allowing for easy operation from a distance (key fob included).
The WGen20000TFc, with a fuel capacity of 17.17 gallons, reaches a run time of around 10.5 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 1.64 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 2.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.88 GPH) with propane.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in the AC outlets safely, as the WGen20000TFc generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 9 AC outlets:
Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Westinghouse generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as the WGen20000TFc 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

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
At L38 x W35 x H40.4 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
As the generator's weight is 557 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Despite the restricted maneuverability, its wheel kit (⌀13") and its folding handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
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
The WGen20000TFc's control center features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
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 WGen20000TFc ships with supplementary accessories: oil, tool kit, battery charger, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, funnel, key fob and propane hose.
Product Video
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).
- Considering its dry weight of 557 pounds, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc is one of the heaviest generators producing between 14000 and 20000 running watts. Weight-conscious users may find the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 348.3 pounds.
- Because this generator emits noise as low as 79 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 74 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 concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc, boasting with around 11 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this generator falls short: it consumes approximately 1.64 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 multi-fuel generators, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
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
- Acceptable noise (79 dBA)
- On the expensive side
- No recoil back-up
- On the heavy side (557 lbs)
- 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, cast iron sleeve |
| Alternator | Copper windings |
| 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 |
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 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 | |
| Water heater (50 gallons) | 5000 | 8000 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 15987 W | 18987 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.
do i need natural gas conversion kit for using natural gas? (Asked June 11, 2025)
The unit is tri fuel, and supports natural gas out of the box
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



