The Honda EB6500X is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 5,500 W and a starting wattage of 6,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EB6500X
In a few words, the Honda EB6500X is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EB6500X
The Honda EB6500X is powered by a 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 5,500W as well as a peak wattage of 6,500W (and even up to 7,000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
Featuring a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), the generator utilizes a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism for ignition.
Thanks to its 6.2 gallons fuel tank, the EB6500X can run continuously for around 9.8 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with an average fuel consumption of approximately 0.63 GPH).
The EB6500X is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<10%).
Outlets
The full GFCI control panel is equipped with the following 6 AC outlets:
Though it may not be labeled as 'RV Ready,' this Honda generator offers the benefit of hassle-free RV connectivity through its L5-30R receptacle, allowing you to easily power your RV with the assistance of an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as the EB6500X holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
At L41.4 x W27.8 x H30.4 in, the standard open frame design of the Honda EB6500X delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Despite its weight of 215.8 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. Despite the restricted maneuverability, its wheel kit and its folding handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned 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 EB6500X's control panel
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.
As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Honda EB6500X also comes with the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), allowing you to start it right away. 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 EB6500X is able to produce a starting wattage above the maximum rating, for up to 10 seconds. Therefore, thanks to iAVR, the EB6500X is able to “overclock” itself above its 6500 starting watts and provide up to 7000 W.
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).
- With a weight of 215.8 lbs, the Honda EB6500X sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among generators rated from 5000 to 6000 watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Champion 201238 stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 101.4 pounds.
- At just 64 dBA rated noise level, this generator is positioned as one of the quieter choices among devices delivering similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Honda EU7000iS. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 9.8 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. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Predator 6500, which is able to run for around 14.5 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. Among generators of similar output, this generator ranks somewhat poorly in fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 0.63 GPH at a 50% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the A-iPower SUA7000L, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.36 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, 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
- Full GFCI panel
- CO Minder
- iAVR technology pushes starting watts up to 7,000
- Quiet for its power (64 dBA)
- On the expensive side
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (215.8 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- 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 | 5,500 W |
| Starting watts | 6,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9.8 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 | 215.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 41.4 x 27.8 x 30.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 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 |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Industrial |
| Other model numbers | EB6500X1AN |
| UPC | 786102007375 |
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 and the EB6500X1AN?
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.
Is it an inverter generator? (Asked August 04, 2020)
This unit is not an inverter generator.
Does it have an automatic throttle? Meaning that it would speed up or slow down according to the load? (Asked April 11, 2021)
The unit features Honda Auto Throttle system, which automatically reduces engine speed when ALL loads are turned off or disconnected. When appliances are turned on or reconnected, the engine returns to the rated speed.
Is there a way to disconnect or bypass the gfci. breaker on a eb6500x , so that i can backfeed my house? (Asked July 16, 2021)
This can be done by removing the neutral bonding. You may refer to our article on neutral conversion. We also highly recommended reading our article on the dangers of backfeeding.
Does the: EM6500SXK2 have electric start ? (Asked October 06, 2021)
This unit is the EB6500, not the EM6500. The EM6500 features an electric start, but this unit does not.
Can electric starter be added (Asked May 23, 2023)
There are no official electric start kits for the EB6500.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Hondas are the best generator on the market.. This is one thing “you get what you paid for”
there is not a lot to talk about you pay more up front for a reason.
Ryobi,champion, predictor.. who is going to service these,?? the craftsmanship of a honda is so much more superior than any of these three, it is not even a competition!!