Westinghouse WGen5300c - 5300/6600W Portable Generator

In summary, the Westinghouse WGen5300c is a compact portable generator especially useful for:

• RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
• People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
• Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
• 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, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.

Power & Run Time

The Westinghouse WGen5300c

The Westinghouse WGen5300c is powered by a 274 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 5,300W as well as a peak wattage of 6,600W.

Enjoying a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than background music), this generator can be started thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also to a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). To add further convenience, the WGen5300c can be remotely started (key fob included).

The fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons allows the WGen5300c to operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.43 GPH).

As the WGen5300c has a high THD (<23%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:

Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Westinghouse generator is RV Ready. In addition, since the WGen5300c bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.

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

The dimensions of the Westinghouse WGen5300c, which are L23.2 x W20.1 x H19.1 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 136.6 lbs. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

Features

The WGen5300c's control panel

Monitoring of the WGen5300c's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the frequency, voltage and lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.

Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.

As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you 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.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Westinghouse WGen5300c, the following accessories are also included: funnel, battery charger, oil, tool kit and key fob. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.

Emissions

The Westinghouse WGen5300c is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.