How much power does the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc give you?
On gas, this model is rated for 20,000 running watts and 28,000 starting watts. Running watts are the power available while your appliances are on. Starting watts are a short burst to help things like refrigerators and pumps turn on. You cannot use that bigger number for appliances that need steady power.
On natural gas, the running rating drops to 16,000 watts. Use that number when adding up your appliances if natural gas is the fuel you plan to use.
| Fuel | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 20,000 W | 28,000 W |
| Propane | 18,000 W | 25,200 W |
| Natural gas | 16,000 W | 22,400 W |
The details for this model
Model: WGen20000TFc. Manufacturer part number: WGen20000TFc. These are published specifications, not results from our own testing. If a detail is missing, we leave it marked rather than use a number from a similar generator.
A detail to confirm: The propane-runtime table gives 3 hours at 25% power use and 5 hours at 50% power use on a 20 lb tank. That is inconsistent; those propane-runtime figures are withheld from planning guidance.
- How it starts
- Electric, Remote
- Voltage
- 120/240V
- Gas tank
- 17.2 gal. (65.1 L)
- How long it runs
- 14 hrs at 25% gasoline power use; 8 hrs. at 50% gasoline power use
- Weight
- 557 lb. (252.7 kg)
- Size (L × W × H)
- 38L x 35W x 40.4H in.
- Outlets
- Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A, Two 120/240V L14-30R, One 125A 240V AC Terminal Block, Two 120/240V 14-50R, One 120V L5-30R 30A
- Generator type
- Conventional
- Power smoothness (THD; lower is generally smoother)
- Not confirmed for this model
- Carbon monoxide shutdown
- Yes
- Noise
- As low as 74 dBA
- Warranty
- 3 Year Limited
A 120V outlet powers ordinary household plug-in devices. Some pumps and larger equipment need 240V. Inverter models use electronics to control the electricity they supply. THD measures how smooth that electricity is; a lower number generally means smoother power. Check your device instructions before connecting electronics.
Sources: Manufacturer specifications / manual ·
How long will it run?
The published runtime is 14 hrs at 25% gasoline power use; 8 hrs. at 50% gasoline power use. The listed gas tank holds 17.2 gal. (65.1 L). The more power you use, the sooner you will need fuel. A runtime measured at 25% load means the generator was only supplying a quarter of its running power, not working flat out.
A natural-gas connection can save repeated trips to fill the gas tank, but gas service can fail too. Have a qualified installer check that the supply can feed the generator while your other gas appliances are running. Read our fuel-storage guide →
What can you run during an outage?
Start by listing the appliances you need most. Check both their running watts and the extra power they need to start. A refrigerator, for example, may need much more power for a moment when its compressor kicks on.
Here is an example, not a test of this generator: a refrigerator using 600 running watts, plus 100 watts of lights and 100 watts for a router and other small devices, adds up to 800 watts. If that refrigerator needs 1,800 watts to start, the total briefly reaches 2,000 watts. Your appliances may use different amounts.
That example is within the listed gasoline running and starting ratings. You still need to check your own refrigerator, each outlet’s limit, and anything else that may turn on at the same time. If you use propane or natural gas, check those ratings separately.
A 1,500-watt heater uses a lot of power on its own. Follow its connection instructions; many portable heaters must plug directly into a suitable wall outlet. For a well pump or central air conditioner, have an electrician check voltage, running power, and startup demand. A 240V outlet alone does not guarantee enough power. Work out how much power you need →
What we like and what to consider
Reasons to consider it
- Runs on gas, propane, or natural gas.
- 20,000 running watts on gas.
- 240V output for compatible appliances or a professionally installed home connection.
Things to keep in mind
- It weighs 557 lb. (252.7 kg). Make sure you can move and store it.
- Switching to propane reduces running power to 18,000 watts.
- Noise figures depend on the distance and how hard the generator is working.
What owners are saying
We do not have enough owner feedback for this exact model to give a fair summary. Reviews for a similar generator, or another option on the same Amazon page, may describe a different machine. Before buying, check recent reviews for the full model number and find out how the seller handles service and returns.
Starting, moving, and maintenance
The listed starting options are: electric, remote. Keep the starter battery charged as the manual recommends. Practice any backup starting method before an outage. It weighs 557 lb. (252.7 kg). Wheels can help on level ground, but they do not make stairs or lifting into a vehicle easy.
The listed warranty is 3 Year Limited. Read the full terms, including whether your seller and intended use are covered. Follow the manual for oil type, oil changes, and storage. Keep track of running hours during a long outage. See our maintenance guide →
Other generators to compare
Westinghouse WGen14500TFc →
This big three-fuel generator is worth considering when smaller models cannot cover the appliances you need. It is heavy, so plan how you will move and store it. Each outlet also has its own limit; one cable cannot carry all 14,500 running watts.
14,500 running watts on gas · Tri-fuel · 120/240V
Westinghouse WGen11500TFc →
This generator can run on gas, propane, or natural gas, giving you more ways to keep things running during an outage. Check the output for the fuel you plan to use. It is a large, heavy machine, so consider storage, noise, and installation before buying.
11,500 running watts on gas · Tri-fuel · 120/240V
WEN TF-1450X →
This large three-fuel generator provides 8,750 running watts on natural gas. That is much less than its 14,500-watt gasoline starting number, so use the right fuel rating when planning. A natural-gas adapter is included, but the hose costs extra.
11,500 running watts on gas · Tri-fuel · 120/240V
Questions about the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc
How much running power does it provide?
20,000 watts on gasoline; 18,000 watts on propane; 16,000 watts on natural gas. Starting watts are only available briefly, not for steady use.
Is it an inverter generator?
No. It is a conventional generator. A voltage regulator does not make it an inverter. Check your electronics’ power requirements before connecting them.
Can I use it in a garage if it has CO shutdown?
No. Never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. Use it outdoors at least 20 feet from homes and openings, with exhaust pointed away. Carbon monoxide shutdown is extra protection; it does not make indoor use safe.
Can I connect it to my house?
Its 120/240V output may work with a suitable home connection. Have an electrician choose and install the right transfer equipment and check the generator’s wiring setup. Never connect a generator to a household wall outlet.
Should you consider the Westinghouse WGen20000TFc?
At 557 pounds without fuel, this is a very large three-fuel generator. Consider it only after adding up your appliances and finding that smaller models are not enough. Each 50A outlet has its own limit and cannot carry the full 20,000-watt output.
Check Price on AmazonWhere the information comes from
We use the sources below to compare specifications and features. We have not personally tested this generator.
- Manufacturer specifications / manual
- CDC generator safety guidance ↗
- How we put our reviews together