Westinghouse WGen5300c - Spec Review

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

• RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
• People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor 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

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's engine, 274 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 5300W and reaches a peak wattage of 6600W.

At a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than an office), this generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the WGen5300c can also be remotely started (key fob included).

With a full tank, the WGen5300c can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.43 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons.

The WGen5300c is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<23%).

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 4 AC outlets:

Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Westinghouse generator is RV Ready. In addition, because the WGen5300c is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.

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 dimensions of L23.2 x W20.1 x H19.1 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Westinghouse WGen5300c offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

As the generator's weight is 136.6 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). 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

A digital data center, one of the features of the WGen5300c's control panel, gives you information on the lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.

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. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Westinghouse WGen5300c's package also includes these accessories: oil, key fob, tool kit, funnel and battery charger. 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, making it usable in forested areas.