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. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Honda EB6500X |
|---|
| Highest Price $3,483.99 Lowest Price $2,999.00 Current Price $2,999.00 |
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EB6500X
In short, the Honda EB6500X is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- 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
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's design includes a gasoline-fueled 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 5,500W and also a peak wattage of 6,500W (and even up to 7,000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
With a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the generator features a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 6.2 gallons, the EB6500X can operate for around 9.8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.63 GPH).
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 is equipped with the following 6 AC outlets:
Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this Honda generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV using 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
With dimensions of L41.4 x W27.8 x H30.4 in, the traditional open frame design of the Honda EB6500X ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 215.8 lbs of this generator make manual lifting and transportation incredibly difficult. 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.
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
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
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. 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).
- Weighing 215.8 lbs, the Honda EB6500X is one of the heavier generators within the 5000-6000 rated wattage bracket. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 93.5 pounds.
- Delivering a rated noise output as low as 64 dBA, this generator is has a quieter operation that most units of similar power. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Honda EU7000iS, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
- Offering around 9.8 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the EB6500X is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Dewalt DXGN6000 could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 14 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption 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. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the DuroMax XP7000iHT, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.38 gallons per hour.
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)
- Decent run time
- On the expensive side
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (215.8 lbs)
- 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
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke, cast iron sleeve |
| 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 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 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!!