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Since: May 8, 2021 |
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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen5300DF
In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen5300DF is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen5300DF
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Westinghouse WGen5300DF provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 5300W along with a peak wattage of 6600W. While propane-powered, it provides 4800 rated watts and 5900 starting watts.
With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). The WGen5300DF can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).
With a fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons, the WGen5300DF can operate for around 13.5 hours at 50% load using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.35 GPH), or for around 9 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.52 GPH) using propane.
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the WGen5300DF is not recommended due to its relatively high THD (<23%).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Westinghouse generator is RV Ready. In addition, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen5300DF is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Westinghouse's ST Switch Outlet
The ST Switch outlet
The WGen5300DF 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 WGen5300DF 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 WGen5300DF has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L27 x W21.7 x H19.7 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding 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 147 lbs. 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 WGen5300DF's 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.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Westinghouse WGen5300DF, the following accessories are also included: key fob, propane hose, tool kit, oil, battery charger and funnel. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen5300DF is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
The Westinghouse WGen5300DF versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen5300DF compare to generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- As for its weight, the Westinghouse WGen5300DF weighs only 147 pounds, making it one of the lighter generators in the 4500-5500 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN GN6000, with a dry weight of just 119 pounds.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 68 dBA. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU7000iS with only 52 dBA.
- As the WGen5300DF features an autonomy of around 13.5 hours at 50% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its power range. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Cat RP5500, with around 15 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, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.35 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, is one of the most fuel efficient generators, for the previously mentioned wattage range.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 4500-5500W generators, the Westinghouse WGen5300DF 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Dual Fuel
- Smart Switch Ready
- Lightweight for its kind (147 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- No data center
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 274 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 5300 W | 4800 W |
| Starting watts | 6600 W | 5900 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 44.2/22.1 amps | 40/20 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 55/27.5 amps | 49.2/24.6 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 13.5 h | 9 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 4.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 147 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27 x 21.7 x 19.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 68 dBA |
| THD | < 23% |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 3 years |
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, several sources report that they are in many cases manufactured in China.
Warranty Information
The Westinghouse WGen5300DF 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 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3880 W | 6580 W |
I bought this generator not realizing it had no data center. Can I add an hour meter at least? And is a bit meter necessary? (Asked September 20, 2020)
You can easily add a vibration-activated hour meter (opens in a new tab). Unsure what a "bit meter" is.
Thanks for answering my question about the hour meter, I would like to know if the V F T data center is necessary to maintain the 5300DF. (Asked September 21, 2020)
Many generators do not include any sort of data center, so it shouldn't be a problem. Make sure to stick to the maintenance schedule that is detailed in your owner's manual. You can also refer to our maintenance guide.
Is it true that the Wgen5300df generator only puts out 2400watts max in the 120v outlets? (Asked October 23, 2020)
This is not something specific to the WGen5300DF. Any 5-20R outlet will only give a maximum of 2400 watts. These outlets are 120V 20A, and 120x20=2400. The TT-30R outlet will give 3600 (120x30).
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
