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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen5300DF
In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen5300DF is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
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 dual-fuel technology of the Westinghouse WGen5300DF allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 5,300W and a starting wattage of 6,600W. If propane-powered, it gives 4,800 rated watts and 5,900 starting watts.
Enjoying a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than background music), this generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use 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 up to 14.5 hours using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.43 GPH), or for around 9 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.52 GPH) using propane.
The WGen5300DF is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<23%).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 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
With its dimensions of L23.4 x W20.6 x H19.5 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Westinghouse WGen5300DF offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 135.6 pounds. To enhance the generator's mobility, it is worth considering purchasing an official wheel kit (opens in a new tab).
Features
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Westinghouse WGen5300DF also is packed along with the following accessories: battery charger, tool kit, oil, funnel, propane hose and key fob.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen5300DF is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used 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 dual fuel generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- At a weight of 135.6 pounds, the Westinghouse WGen5300DF places in the expected weight range of the dual fuel generators in the 4500-5500 rated wattage range. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Genmax GM6000iED, weighing just 117.9 pounds.
- Since this generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 68 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Genmax GM6000iED, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 63 dBA.
- The WGen5300DF provides a higher run time than similarly powerful dual fuel devices, reaching around 11 hours at 50% load. 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 Pulsar G65BN, with around 11.5 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.43 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is one of the most fuel efficient units within its wattage category.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 4500-5500W dual fuel generators, the Westinghouse WGen5300DF is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Dual Fuel
- Smart Switch Ready
- Quiet for its power (68 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (135.6 lbs)
- On the expensive side
- 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 | 5,300 W | 4,800 W |
Starting watts | 6,600 W | 5,900 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 | 11 h | 9 h |
Run time @25% load | 14.5 h | 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 | 135.6 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.4 x 20.6 x 19.5 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 68 dBA |
THD | < 23% |
Compliance | 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, and battery |
Warranty | 3 years |
UPC | 850011336847 |
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 | |
Drill | 600 | 900 | |
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).
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