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. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EG4000CL
In a nutshell, the Honda EG4000CL is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- 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 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 upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EG4000CL
The Honda EG4000CL's engine, 270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke with cast iron sleeve, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 3,500W and reaches a peak wattage of 4,000W.
The generator features a manual recoil starter system. It is rated for a noise of 66 dBA (less noisy than an office).
The EG4000CL's fuel tank, with a capacity of 6.3 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for around 14.8 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 0.43 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features 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.
Portability
Measuring L26.8 x W20.9 x H22.5 in, the classic open frame construction of the Honda EG4000CL provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate 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 146.4 lbs of this generator may make manual lifting and transportation somewhat difficult.
Features
The EG4000CL's control panel
Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Honda EG4000CL'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
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).
- Tipping the scales at 146.4 lbs, the Honda EG4000CL qualifies as one of the heavier options among generators rated between 3000 and 4000 watts. If you are mindful of weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 66 dBA. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 52 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- Among its devices with similar power, the EG4000CL offers one of the higher run times, running for around 14.8 hours at 50% load. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Firman W03663OF, which is able to run for around 18 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. This generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.43 GPH at a 50% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.22 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W generators, the Honda EG4000CL 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
- GFCI Outlets
- CO Minder
- DAVR technology
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (66 dBA)
- On the expensive side
- No data center
- No electric start
- 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
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke, cast iron sleeve |
| 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 |
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 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 | |
| Electric fry pan | 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.
