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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen5300c
In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen5300c is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:
- 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 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, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen5300c
The Westinghouse WGen5300c houses a 274 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 5,300W along with a peak wattage of 6,600W.
The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the WGen5300c can also be remotely started (key fob included).
The WGen5300c can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.43 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons.
As the WGen5300c has a high THD (<23%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Westinghouse generator is RV Ready. In addition, as the WGen5300c 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 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 Westinghouse WGen5300c has the following dimensions: L23.2 x W20.1 x H19.1 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. 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 136.6 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The WGen5300c's control panel
The control panel of the WGen5300c includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the frequency, voltage and lifetime run hours.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
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: key fob, battery charger, oil, funnel and tool kit. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
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.
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).
- Weight-wise, the Westinghouse WGen5300c has only 136.6 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 4500 to 5500 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN GN5600, standing at just 103.6 lbs.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 68 dBA. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Honda EU7000iS, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- As the WGen5300c features an autonomy of around 11 hours at 50% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its power range. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Predator 6500, boasting with around 14.5 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.43 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is among the more fuel efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the WEN GN5602X, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.35 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, 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)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4230 W | 5730 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 4235 W | 4825 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3880 W | 6580 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
