ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 14
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Westinghouse WGen5300s
In summary, the Westinghouse WGen5300s is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Westinghouse WGen5300s's design includes a gasoline-fueled 274 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 5300W and also a peak wattage of 6600W.
With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
With a full tank, the WGen5300s can operate for up to 20 hours (fuel consumption around 0.24 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons.
Since the WGen5300s has a somewhat high THD (<23%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Westinghouse generator is RV Ready. In addition, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the WGen5300s 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.
Portability
The design of the Westinghouse WGen5300s is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L27 x W21.7 x H19.7 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding 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 143.3 pounds. 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 WGen5300s and its control panel include a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Westinghouse WGen5300s, the following accessories are also included: oil, funnel and tool kit. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
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, making it usable in forested areas.
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).
- In terms of its dry weight, the Westinghouse WGen5300s stands at only 143.3 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter devices of the 4500-5500 rated wattage category If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN 56500 with only 119 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 you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU7000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- Since the WGen5300s boasts with a run time of up to 20 hours at 25% load, it can be safely judged as one of the devices with the highest run time among those of a comparable output.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This generator can be considered as one of the most fuel efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.24 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, within the aforementioned wattage range.
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 (143.3 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- No remote start
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 274 cc OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
---|---|
Running watts | 5300 W |
Starting watts | 6600 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 44.2/22.1 amps |
Peaks amps (@120/240V) | 55/27.5 amps |
Run time @50% load | 13.5 h |
Run time @25% load | 20 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 | 143.3 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, battery, and wheel kit |
Warranty | 3 years |
Series | Storm |
Other model numbers | 5302 |
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 – which are the main product of the Outdoor Power Equipment branch of Westinghouse. 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 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 | 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 |
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.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
Love, love, love it. BEST OF THE PRICE CATEGORY BY FAR!!