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 few words, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc is a powerful portable generator perfectly suited for:
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
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
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.
Operating with a noise level of 79 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher), the generator starts up via a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). In addition, the WGen20000TFc also supports remote starting, enhancing user convenience (key fob included).
Regarding its running time, the WGen20000TFc, with a 17.17 gallons fuel tank, can operate for around 10.5 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 1.64 gallons per hour). It also offers around 2.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.88 GPH) of operation when using propane.
The <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the WGen20000TFc ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 9 AC outlets:
Even though this Westinghouse generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. 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
At L38 x W35 x H40.4 in, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 557 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. 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.
In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.
Features
The WGen20000TFc's control panel
To facilitate status and activity monitoring, a convenient meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data are embedded in the control panel of the WGen20000TFc.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, battery charger, propane hose, key fob, funnel and oil.
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).
- Tipping the scales at 557 lbs, the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc qualifies as one of the heaviest options among generators rated between 14000 and 20000 watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM17000iE with only 308.6 pounds.
- In comparison to generators with a similar running wattage, this generator's lowest emitted noise of 79 dBA can be considered noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Genmax GM17000iE, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 63 dBA.
- The WGen20000TFc provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching around 10.5 hours at 50% load. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Westinghouse WGen20000, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting 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. This generator doesn't excel in fuel efficiency when compared to others of its kind: it consumes approximately 1.64 GPH at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Genmax GM17000iE is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 1.03 gallons per hour.
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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| 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 |
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.
