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Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen5300s
In a nutshell, the Westinghouse WGen5300s is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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 Westinghouse WGen5300s's engine, 274 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 5,300W and reaches a peak wattage of 6,600W.
The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation).
The WGen5300s can operate for up to 14.5 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.32 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons.
As the WGen5300s has a high THD (<23%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Westinghouse generator is RV Ready. In addition, because the WGen5300s 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.
Portability
The design of the Westinghouse WGen5300s is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L23.1 x W20.1 x H19.1 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 131.4 pounds. 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 WGen5300s and its control panel include a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
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.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Westinghouse WGen5300s's package also includes these accessories: oil, tool kit and funnel. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Emissions
The Westinghouse WGen5300s 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 and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Video
The Westinghouse WGen5300s versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Westinghouse WGen5300s compare to generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- Regarding its weight, the Westinghouse WGen5300s only weighs in at 131.4 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter generators in the 4500-5500 rated wattage range. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN GN5600 with only 103.6 pounds.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 68 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. 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.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the WGen5300s, reaching up to 14.5 hours at a 25% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other products of a roughly equal output. 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 DuroMax XP5500EH, with up to 19 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 is not fuel efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.32 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP5500EH, with a fuel consumption of 0.21 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 4500-5500W generators, the Westinghouse WGen5300s 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
- Electric start
- Lightweight for its kind (131.4 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 274 cc OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
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 | 14.5 h |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | 4.7 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 131.4 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.1 x 20.1 x 19.1 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, battery, and wheel kit |
Series | Storm |
Other model numbers | 5302 |
UPC | 850008720949 |
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 WGen5300s 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
Security system | 180 | 180 | |
Total | 4230 W | 5330 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 |
If you use surge protectors at each electronic device would this generator be safe for sensitive electronic equipment? (Asked June 05, 2020)
Absolutely not, as this is not what surge protectors are for. A surge protector will only prevent voltage spikes (in case of lightning, etc.). By no means will it clean the waveform. Feel free to read our article on THD to have a better understanding.
Can this run a freezer and refrigerator (Asked September 02, 2021)
It should have no problem handling both appliances.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Love, love, love it. BEST OF THE PRICE CATEGORY BY FAR!!