Westinghouse WGEN5300DFC, User Manual

16 | Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment, LLC

OPERATION

GENERATOR LOCATION

Read and understand all safety information before starting 

the generator. 

NEVER

 operate the generator inside any building, including 

garages, basements, crawlspaces, sheds, enclosure, or 

compartment, including the generator compartment of a 

recreational vehicle.  

Electrocution hazard. 

NEVER

 use the generator in 

a location that is wet or damp. 

NEVER

 expose the 

generator to rain, snow, water spray, or standing water 

while in use. Protect the generator from all hazardous 

weather conditions. Moisture or ice can cause a short 

circuit or other malfunction in the electrical circuit. Using 

a generator or electrical appliance in wet conditions, 

such as rain or snow, or near a pool or sprinkler system, 

or when your hands are wet, could result in electrocution

Fire hazard. Only operate the generator on a solid, level 

surface. Operating the generator on a surface with loose 

material such as sand or grass clippings can cause debris 

to be ingested by the generator that could block cooling 

vents or the air intake system. Allow the generator to 

cool for 30 minutes before transport or storage.

The generator should be on a flat, level surface at all times 

(Even while not in operation). The generator must have 

at least 5 ft. (1.5 m) of clearance from all combustible 

material. 

DO NOT

 operate the generator in the back of a SUV, 

camper, trailer, truck bed (regular, flat, or otherwise), under 

stairs, next to walls or buildings, or in any other location 

that will not allow for adequate cooling of the generator 

and/or  the  muffler. 

DO NOT

 contain generators during 

operation.

Asphyxiation hazard. Place the generator in a well-

ventilated area. 

DO NOT

 place the generator near vents 

or intakes where exhaust fumes could be drawn into 

occupied  or  confined  spaces.  Carefully  consider  wind 

and air currents when positioning the generator.

GROUNDING

Shock hazard. Failure to properly ground the generator 

can result in electric shock.

NOTICE

Only use grounded 3-prong extension cords, tools, and 

appliances, or double-insulated tools and appliances.

The  generator  neutral  is  floating.  The  generator  ground 

t

erminal is connected to the frame of the generator, the 

metal non-current-carrying parts of the generator, and 

the ground terminals of each receptacle. The generator 

(stator winding) is isolated from the frame and from the 

AC receptacle ground pin. Electrical devices that require 

a grounded receptacle pin connection may not function 

properly. 
If this generator will be used only with cord and plug 

equipment connected to the receptacles mounted on the 

generator, National Electric Code does not require that 

the unit be grounded. However, other methods of using 

the generator may require grounding to reduce the risk of 

shock or electrocution. 

Before  using  the  ground  terminal,  consult  a  qualified 

electrician, electrical inspector, or local agency having 

jurisdiction for local codes or ordinances that apply to the 

intended use of the generator. 

VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH

The 120V/240V selector switch gives the user the ability to 

double the amperage in the generator for more demanding 

applications. The voltage selector switches the dual 120V 

AC windings of the generator to produce 120V or 240V. 

If a 240V appliance is connected to the 4-prong L14-30R 

receptacle, the switch must be in the “240V” position. The 

120V only outlets will not output power when the Voltage 

Selector is in the 240V position.

OPERATION