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Description
Zoom on the Honda EB6500X
In summary, the Honda EB6500X is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EB6500X
The Honda EB6500X houses a 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 5500W along with a peak wattage of 6500W.
The generator is rated for a noise of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation). Its starting mechanism is based on a conventional pull-start mechanism.
With a full tank, the EB6500X can operate for around 10.4 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.6 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 6.2 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
While this Honda generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the EB6500X 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 Honda EB6500X has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L41.9 x W27.2 x H29.2 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 220 lbs. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.
Features
The EB6500X's control panel
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®).
Accessory-wise, along with the previously mentioned features, the Honda EB6500X is packaged with the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helping you start the device right away.
CO Minder (new model)
The control panel of the CO Minder version is slightly different
Note: The CO Minder is a new feature introduced in 2020 that is not yet present in all EB6500X units. Make sure to select the "With CO Minder" tab above our retailers list if you wish to benefit from this feature.
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.
While it’s a welcomed additional security feature, remember to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Emissions
The Honda EB6500X 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 and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Honda EB6500X versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EB6500X compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- At a dry weight of 220 pounds, the Honda EB6500X is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 5000 and 6000 running watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Westinghouse WGen5300v, standing at just 107 lbs.
- As its lowest possible noise is rated at 64 dBA, this generator qualifies as one of the more quiet of the products of similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU7000iS. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 10.4 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the EB6500X falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Cat RP5500, reaching around 15 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. As this generator uses an estimated 0.6 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse WGen5300v, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.35 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 5000-6000W generators, the Honda EB6500X 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
- GFCI Outlets
- CO Minder (according to model)
- Quiet for its power (64 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- On the expensive side
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (220 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5500 W |
| Starting watts | 6500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peaks amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.4 h |
| Run time @25% load | N/A |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | iAVR |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 6.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 220 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 41.9 x 27.2 x 29.2 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | No |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Series | Industrial |
| Other model numbers | EB6500X1AT1, EB6500X1AG |
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 EB6500X 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5872 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3780 W | 6480 W |
What is the difference between the EB6500, the EB6500X, the EB6500X1AT1 and the EB6500X1AG?
The final "G" in "EB6500X1AG" indicates that the unit includes the CO Minder technology. Regarding the rest of the model names, as a rule of thumb, they refer to the unit itself, but simply include more or less information regarding its specs, production batch, etc. Read how Honda name their generators.
Is it an inverter generator? (Asked August 04, 2020)
This unit is not an inverter generator.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
