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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. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EG4000CL
In short, the Honda EG4000CL is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Amateur DIY lovers
- 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
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
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.
Enjoying a noise rating of 66 dBA (less noisy than an office), this generator gets running thanks to a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 6.3 gallons, the EG4000CL can 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:
Even if this Honda generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.
Portability
At L26.8 x W20.9 x H22.5 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Honda EG4000CL ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While weighing 146.4 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Thus, you may also want to consider purchasing its official wheel kit (opens in a new tab).
Features
The EG4000CL'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 EG4000CL 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
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.
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).
- Weighing 146.4 lbs, the Honda EG4000CL is one of the heavier generators within the 3000-4000 rated wattage bracket. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 46 pounds.
- 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 you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 52 dBA.
- With around 14.8 hours of runtime at 50% load, the EG4000CL provides a higher run time when compared to similarly powerful products. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Predator 4375 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 16 hours.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.43 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, 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
- In the expected price range
- GFCI Outlets
- CO Minder
- DAVR technology
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (66 dBA)
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (146.4 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 4,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 29.2/14.6 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 33.3/16.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14.8 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | DAVR |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 6.3 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 146.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.8 x 20.9 x 22.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 66 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | No |
| Series | Economy |
| Other model numbers | EG4000CLAN, EG4000CLAG |
| UPC | 786102007405 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2492 W | 3992 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
What is the difference between the EG4000, the EG4000CL, the EG4000CLAN and the EG4000CLAG?
The final "G" in "EG4000CLAG" indicates that the unit is CARB-compliant. The final "N" in "EG4000CLAN" 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.
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.
