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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
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:
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
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 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
- In the expected price range
- GFCI Outlets
- CO Minder
- DAVR technology
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (66 dBA)
- No data center
- No electric start
- Not CARB-compliant
- 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 | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | No |
| Series | Economy |
| Other model numbers | EG4000CLAN |
| 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2797 W | 3897 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 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.
