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Honda EG4000CL - 3500/4000W Portable Generator

The Honda EG4000CL is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,000 W.

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Description

Zoom on the Honda EG4000CL

In summary, the Honda EG4000CL is a portable generator especially useful for:

  • RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Honda EG4000CL in use

The Honda EG4000CL

The Honda EG4000CL is powered by a 270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,500W as well as a peak wattage of 4,000W.

With a noise rating of 66 dBA (less noisy than an office), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.

The fuel capacity of 6.3 gallons allows the EG4000CL to operate for around 14.8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.43 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:

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

This Honda generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.

Portability

With its dimensions of L26.8 x W20.9 x H22.5 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Honda EG4000CL offers stability and allows 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 146.4 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Thus, you may also want to consider purchasing its official wheel kit (opens in a new tab).

Features

Panel of the Honda EG4000CL

The EG4000CL's control panel

The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

Accessory-wise, along with the previously mentioned features, the Honda EG4000CL 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

CO Minder of the Honda EG4000CL

CO Minder monitors the ambient CO concentration

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.

DAVR Technology

Honda’s DAVR (opens in a new tab) technology (Digital Automatic Voltage Regulation) holds the voltage stability within a ±1% change during operation and thus, offers a more stable voltage than conventional generators. This results in better performance, and better protection of your tools.

The DAVR has a built-in, self-diagnosis function to prevent engine speed from exceeding 4,140 rpm for longer than three seconds and abnormal voltage. Additionally, a built-in temperature protection system protects the generator from overheating.

Emissions

The Honda EG4000CL is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.

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

Product Video

The Honda EG4000CL versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EG4000CL compare to generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).

  • As its dry weight is 146.4 pounds, the Honda EG4000CL is one of the heavier of the products which can generate 3000 to 4000 running watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of only 46 lbs.
  • Because this generator emits noise as low as 66 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
  • The EG4000CL provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching around 14.8 hours at 50% load. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Predator 4375, boasting with around 16 hours.
  • While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. In fact, this generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.43 GPH. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.22 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3000-4000W generators, the Honda EG4000CL 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • GFCI Outlets
  • CO Minder
  • DAVR technology
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (66 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the heavy side (146.4 lbs)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Honda EG4000CL 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
Engine270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts3,500 W
Starting watts4,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)29.2/14.6 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)33.3/16.7 amps
Run time @50% load14.8 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationDAVR
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 20A (L14-20R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerNo
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank6.3 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight146.4 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)26.8 x 20.9 x 22.5 in
Noise (lower limit)66 dBA
THDUnknown
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedNo
SeriesEconomy
Other model numbersEG4000CLAN
UPC786102007405

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 EG4000CL 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 size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeAC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Sump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total2797 W3897 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Electric fry pan15001500
Radio100100
Total2790 W3380 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W
What is the difference between the EG4000, the EG4000CL and the EG4000CLAN?

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.

What kind oil does a Honda generator 3500 take (Asked February 18, 2021)

For general, all-temperature use, SAE 10W-30 is recommended.

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

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