The Westinghouse WGen5300c is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 5,300 W and a starting wattage of 6,600 W. (Read full specs)
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| Highest Price $699.00 Lowest Price $649.00 Current Price $649.00 |
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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen5300c
In summary, the Westinghouse WGen5300c is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen5300c
Running on gasoline, the Westinghouse WGen5300c utilizes a 274 cc OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120/240V, offering a running wattage of 5,300W and a starting wattage of 6,600W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), this generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included). Furthermore, for added convenience, the WGen5300c offers remote starting capabilities (key fob included).
With a fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons, the WGen5300c may run for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.43 GPH).
As the WGen5300c exhibits a THD of less than 23%, which is high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:
The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Westinghouse generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles. In addition, since it boasts a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen5300c 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 WGen5300c 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 WGen5300c 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 L23.2 x W20.1 x H19.1 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Westinghouse WGen5300c guarantees stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Despite its weight of 136.6 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The WGen5300c's control panel
Embedded in the control panel of the WGen5300c, a digital data center serves as a vital feature, offering comprehensive information on the lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency to aid in monitoring activity and status.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
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.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Westinghouse WGen5300c also comes with some accessories: funnel, key fob, tool kit, battery charger and oil are included. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Product Video
The Westinghouse WGen5300c versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen5300c compare to generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Westinghouse WGen5300c weighs just 136.6 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 4500 to 5500 rated wattage generators. If you are mindful of weight, the Champion 201238 is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 101.4 pounds.
- Given its rated noise level of 68 dBA, this generator aligns with the average expected noise rating for devices of similar power. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Honda EU7000iS, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
- With a runtime of around 11 hours under a 50% load on a full tank, the WGen5300c falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the NorthStar c5500, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 15.1 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator has a better fuel efficiency than other units in the aforementioned output range, consuming approximately 0.43 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the WEN GN5602X, with a fuel consumption of 0.35 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4500-5500W generators, the Westinghouse WGen5300c is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- CO sensor
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Smart Switch Ready
- Lightweight for its kind (136.6 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent run time
The Westinghouse WGen5300c doesn't have any notably low specs.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 274 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,300 W |
| Starting watts | 6,600 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 44.2/22.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 55/27.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 11 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 4.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 136.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.2 x 20.1 x 19.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 68 dBA |
| THD | < 23% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 850011336748 |
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 WGen5300c 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 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Total | 4217 W | 5692 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4235 W | 4655 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drill | 600 | 900 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3880 W | 6580 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
