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Honda EB6500X - 5500/6500W Portable Generator

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.

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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 sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
  • 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

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Honda EB6500X in use

The Honda EB6500X

The Honda EB6500X's core is the 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 5,500W and a peak wattage of 6,500W (and even up to 7,000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).

The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation).

With a full tank, the EB6500X can operate for around 9.8 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.63 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 6.2 gallons.

Since the EB6500X has a somewhat high THD (<10%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The full GFCI control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

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 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

The Honda EB6500X has the following dimensions: L41.4 x W27.8 x H30.4 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 215.8 pounds. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.

A lift hook, which is on the top of the frame, serves as an extra safety feature for the transport, unloading and loading of the device.

Features

Panel of the Honda EB6500X

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 automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker).

Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Honda EB6500X's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which will help you start your generator promptly. 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.

Emissions

The Honda EB6500X is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.

In addition, the unit meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.

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).

  • As its dry weight is 215.8 pounds, the Honda EB6500X is one of the heavier of the products which can generate 5000 to 6000 running watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM6000XiE with only 106.9 pounds.
  • 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. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Honda EU7000iS, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
  • The EB6500X's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its power range, as it reaches only around 9.8 hours at 50% load on a full tank. 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 Predator 6500, with around 14.5 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. This generator is not fuel efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.63 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the A-iPower SUA7000L, with a fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH could be in your good books.

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

STRENGTHS:
  • Full GFCI panel
  • CO Minder
  • iAVR technology
  • Quiet for its power (64 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the expensive side
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the heavy side (215.8 lbs)
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Honda EB6500X and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts5,500 W
Starting watts6,500 W
Running amps (@120/240V)45.8/22.9 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)54.2/27.1 amps
Run time @50% load9.8 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsFull panel
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationiAVR
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerNo
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank6.2 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight215.8 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)41.4 x 27.8 x 30.4 in
Noise (lower limit)64 dBA
THD< 10%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedWheel kit
Country of originChina
SeriesIndustrial
Other model numbersEB6500X1AN
UPC786102007375

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeMicrowave (1000 watts)15001500
Dish washer15003000
Sump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Radio100100
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total4397 W5897 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Radiant heater13001300
Radio100100
Total4390 W4980 W
For workTable saw18004500
Grinder14002500
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Drain cleaner250250
Bug zapper8080
Total3780 W6480 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.

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