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Description
Zoom on the Honda EB6500X
In summary, the Honda EB6500X is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and 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 sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- 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 (and even up to 7000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
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 simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
The fuel capacity of 6.2 gallons allows the EB6500X to operate for around 9.8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.63 GPH).
The EB6500X is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<10%).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:
This Honda generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. 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 dimensions of the Honda EB6500X, which are L41.4 x W27.8 x H30.4 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 215.8 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. 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 located on the top of the frame offers an additional safety feature while facilitating the transport, loading and unloading of the generator.
Features
The EB6500X's control panel
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
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®).
Regarding its accessories, besides the aforementioned features, the Honda EB6500X'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.
While it’s a welcomed additional security feature, remember to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
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 and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
The unit also 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. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM6000XiE, with a dry weight of only 106.9 lbs.
- Since this generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 64 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU7000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- As for its autonomy, the EB6500X, with an autonomy of around 9.8 hours at a 50% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Cat RP5500, as it provides 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. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.63 GPH at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.36 GPH, the A-iPower SUA7000L is a device you could look out for.
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 average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- GFCI Outlets
- CO Minder
- iAVR technology
- Quiet for its power (64 dBA)
- 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9.8 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| 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 | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Wheel kit |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Series | Industrial |
| Other model numbers | EB6500X1AN, EB6500X1AG |
| 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5897 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| 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 EB6500X1AN and the EB6500X1AG?
The final "G" in "EB6500X1AG" indicates that the unit is CARB-compliant. The final "N" in "EB6500X1AN" indicates that the unit cannot be sold in California. 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.
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.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
