Honda EG5000CL (Discontinued)
The Honda EG5000CL is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,500 W and a starting wattage of 5,000 W. (Read full specs)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
If you were hoping to purchase it, you might want to take a look at the Honda EB5000X, which offers similar specs.
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EG5000CL
In short, the Honda EG5000CL is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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 EG5000CL
The Honda EG5000CL's design includes a gasoline-fueled 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 4,500W and also a peak wattage of 5,000W.
The generator is rated for a noise of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a shower). Its starting mechanism is based on a manual recoil starter system.
The EG5000CL's fuel tank, boasting 6.3 gallons, allows it to operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.57 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Even though this Honda generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, because the EG5000CL is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
At L26.8 x W22.8 x H22.6 in, the standard open frame design of the Honda EG5000CL delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 173 lbs.
Features
The EG5000CL's control panel
Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its use.
Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Honda EG5000CL'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.
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 EG5000CL versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EG5000CL compare to generators of similar power (between 4000 and 5000 W).
- At 173 lbs, the Honda EG5000CL stands out as one of the heavier generators rated from 4000 to 5000 watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO with only 64 pounds.
- If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 70 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Yamaha EF4500iSE. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 58 dBA.
- At a 50% load, the EG5000CL's around 11 hours of runtime on a full tank fall within the average autonomy range for similarly powerful generators. If run time is one of your main concerns, the NorthStar c5500 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 15.1 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 somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.57 GPH at a 50% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the WEN DF480iX, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.27 gallons per hour.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- DAVR technology
- Decent run time
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (173 lbs)
- On the noisy side (70 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Honda EG5000CL 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 GX390 OHV 4-stroke, cast iron sleeve |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,500 W |
| Starting watts | 5,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 37.5/18.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 11 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | DAVR |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 6.3 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 173 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.8 x 22.8 x 22.6 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 70 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | No |
| Series | Economy |
| Other model numbers | EG5000CLAT1 |
| UPC | 786102004343 |
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 EG5000CL 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 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 3487 W | 4962 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 3595 W | 4015 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2130 W | 4830 W |
What is the difference between the EG5000, the EG5000CL and the EG5000CLAT1?
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.
Would this EG5000CL power two refrigerators and a chest Freezer at the same time? (Asked August 01, 2020)
At first glance, it should be fine. But wattage consumption varies from fridge to fridge, and from freezer to freezer. We recommend checking the actual wattage consumption of your appliances, and then insert the values in the "custom appliances" section of our generator sizer.
Do all the 4500w-5000w generators have the same size gas tanks (Asked February 28, 2021)
Full tank size depends on the year of production. Older models of the EG5000 may have a smaller tank.
what is the BTU rating for natural gas as a fuel? (Asked November 02, 2022)
There is no such rating, since the generator is designed to operate on gasoline only.
