The Honda EB5000X is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,500 W and a starting wattage of 5,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EB5000X
In summary, the Honda EB5000X is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EB5000X
Honda EB5000X runs on gasoline, powered by a 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 4,500W alongside a starting wattage of 5,000W (and even up to 7,000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
The generator is rated for a noise of 63 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music). Its starting mechanism is based on a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
The EB5000X boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 6.2 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for around 10.5 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 0.59 gallons per hour).
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the EB5000X is not recommended due to its relatively high THD (<10%).
Outlets
The full GFCI control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Even though this Honda generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the EB5000X is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
At L41.1 x W27.8 x H30.4 in, the standard open frame design of the Honda EB5000X delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
While weighing 210.8 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Further safety during transport, loading and unloading of the device is provided by a lift hook, which is placed on the top of the generator's frame.
Features
The EB5000X's control panel
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), offering peace of mind throughout operation.
Regarding its accessories, besides the aforementioned features, the Honda EB5000X's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start it right off the bat. An official storage cover is available, as a separate purchase.
CO Minder
Honda's CO Minder is a system that monitors the ambient carbon monoxide concentration, and automatically stops the engine if the sensor detects a CO level of or exceeding 800 parts per million (ppm) at a given time, or an average of 400 ppm for 10 minutes.
A CO alarm indicator will flash for about five minutes, during which it will be impossible to restart the engine.
iAVR Technology
Honda’s iAVR (opens in a new tab) (Intelligent Automatic Voltage Regulation) reduces voltage fluctuation by up to 50% over current AVR systems.
In conventional generators, when a load is applied, the engine’s rpm drops, which causes the voltage and frequency to drop as well, until the rpm recovers.
iAVR is a combination of the DAVR (opens in a new tab) technology and the iGX (opens in a new tab) engine technology, which serves to provide advanced and instantaneous engine rpm control when a load is applied.
As a result, voltage and frequency are precisely regulated and the EB5000X is able to produce a starting wattage above the maximum rating, for up to 10 seconds. Therefore, thanks to iAVR, the EB5000X is able to “overclock” itself above its 5000 starting watts and provide up to 7000 W.
Product Video
The Honda EB5000X versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EB5000X compare to generators of similar power (between 4000 and 5000 W).
- At 210.8 lbs, the Honda EB5000X stands out as one of the heavier generators rated from 4000 to 5000 watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN 56477i, with a dry weight of just 72.7 pounds.
- At a lowest noise rating of 63 dBA, this generator is one of the quieter devices of similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the WEN DF500iX. With just 58 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- With a runtime of around 10.5 hours under a 50% load on a full tank, the EB5000X falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. 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 NorthStar c5500, with around 15.1 hours.
- 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. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 0.59 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the WEN DF480iX, with a fuel consumption of 0.27 GPH could be in your good books.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4000-5000W generators, the Honda EB5000X is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Full GFCI panel
- CO Minder
- iAVR technology pushes starting watts up to 7,000
- Quiet for its power (63 dBA)
- Decent run time
- On the expensive side
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (210.8 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,500 W |
| Starting watts | 5,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 37.5/18.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Full panel |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | iAVR |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 6.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 210.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 41.1 x 27.8 x 30.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 63 dBA |
| THD | < 10% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Wheel kit |
| Series | Industrial |
| Other model numbers | EB5000XK3AN |
| UPC | 786102007368 |
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 Honda
Founded in 1948, the Japanese Honda Motor Company has gained notoriety for consistently producing top quality engines, motor-powered vehicles and devices. Over the years, the company has gained a strong reputation in the motorcycle, automobile, but also power tool industry. Honda’s power tool division has been producing power tools since 1953, including tillers, mowers, blowers, sprayers and of course, power generators. While the company has expanded globally and moved a majority of its production out of Japan into other Asian countries, Honda is to this day known as a legend among the generator manufacturers.
Warranty Information
The Honda EB5000X 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 Honda generators, please consult Honda's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-770-497-6400.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 3592 W | 4592 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Total | 3590 W | 4180 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2130 W | 4830 W |
What is the difference between the EB5000X and the EB5000XK3AN?
These model numbers refer to the same unit, but simply include more or less information regarding its specs, production batch, etc. Read how Honda name their generators.
Can I power a 220 welder with the eb 5000x namely the Hobart 190 (Asked April 16, 2021)
According to the spec sheet of the Hobart 190 (opens in a new tab), the unit draws 20.5A at 230V. 20.5*230=4715W, which is over the 4500 running watts of the EB5000X.
What is the part# for the recoil starter (Asked July 14, 2021)
Part number varies according to the unit's serial number. You may have a look at this page (opens in a new tab) to find it.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
