How much power does the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv give you?
On gas, this model is rated for 5,300 running watts and 6,500 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 propane, you get 4,800 running watts. That is 500 fewer watts than on gas.
| Fuel | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 5,300 W | 6,500 W |
| Propane | 4,800 W | 5,800 W |
The details for this model
Model: WGen5300DFcv. Manufacturer part number: WGen5300DFcv. 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 page overview says carbon monoxide safety shutoff, but its specification table says “No” for the CO sensor. Confirm the actual unit and manual before purchase. Ask the manufacturer which information is correct.
- How it starts
- Pull cord
- Voltage
- 120/240V
- Gas tank
- 4.7 gal. (18 L)
- How long it runs
- 14.5 hrs at 25% gasoline power use; 11 hrs. at 50% gasoline power use
- Weight
- 135.6 lb. (61 kg)
- Size (L × W × H)
- 23.23L x 20.08W x 19.09H in.
- Outlets
- 1 120V Duplex 5-20R 1 120/240V L14-30R 1 120V TT-30R
- Generator type
- Conventional
- Power smoothness (THD; lower is generally smoother)
- ≤23%
- Carbon monoxide shutdown
- No
- Noise
- 68 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 14.5 hrs at 25% gasoline power use; 11 hrs. at 50% gasoline power use. The listed gas tank holds 4.7 gal. (18 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.
Propane gives you another fuel option. Follow the manual for the regulator and cylinder size. A small cylinder may not supply enough fuel in cold weather. 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 or propane.
- 5,300 running watts on gas.
- 240V output for compatible appliances or a professionally installed home connection.
Things to keep in mind
- It weighs 135.6 lb. (61 kg). Make sure you can move and store it.
- Switching to propane reduces running power to 4,800 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: pull cord. Practice starting it before an outage so you know you can use it when needed. It weighs 135.6 lb. (61 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 WGen5300cv →
This gas-only generator keeps things simple: 5,300 running watts, a pull starter, and no propane setup. It could suit a few important home circuits if those watts cover what you need. You will need to be comfortable using the pull cord.
5,300 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120/240V
Westinghouse WGen5300c →
Choose this over the WGen5300cv if you want electric and remote starting. It runs on gas and provides 120/240V output. Check the full model name when ordering, because that small letter difference changes what you get.
5,300 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120/240V
WEN DF680iX →
The DF680iX gives you gas and propane options, inverter power, and 240V output. Plan around its 5,100 running watts on gas, rather than the larger 6,800-watt starting number. It is heavier than a small carry-along model, and an electrician should check its wiring setup before a home connection.
5,100 running watts on gas · Dual fuel · 120/240V
Questions about the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv
How much running power does it provide?
5,300 watts on gasoline; 4,800 watts on propane. 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. Its published power-distortion figure (THD) is ≤23%. 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 WGen5300DFcv?
This generator runs on gas or propane and has 240V output for compatible home circuits. It starts with a pull cord, so make sure everyone who might use it can start it comfortably.
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