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Description
Zoom on the Honda EG5000CL
In a nutshell, the Honda EG5000CL is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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
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 EG5000CL
The Honda EG5000CL's core is the 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 4500W and a peak wattage of 5000W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a dishwasher), this generator gets running thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism.
With a full tank, the EG5000CL can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.57 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 6.3 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
This Honda generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. 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
With its dimensions of L26.8 x W22.8 x H22.6 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Honda EG5000CL offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 173 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. The additional purchase of an official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) can therefore be a good idea, if you wish to improve the generator's mobility.
Features
The EG5000CL's control panel
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), giving you a peace of mind during 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.
Emissions
The Honda EG5000CL is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
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).
- With its weight of 173 lbs, the Honda EG5000CL is one of the heavier generators in the 4000-5000 rated wattage category. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PG5250, standing at just 99.5 lbs.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 70 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the A-iPower AP5000 with only 58 dBA.
- Offering around 11 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the EG5000CL is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Dewalt DXGN4500, reaching around 15 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. This generator is not fuel efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.57 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Pulsar PG5250B, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.33 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 4000-5000W generators, the Honda EG5000CL 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
- DAVR technology
- Acceptable noise (70 dBA)
- Decent run time
- On the expensive side
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (173 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4500 W |
| Starting watts | 5000 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 |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | No |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Series | Economy |
| Other model numbers | EG5000CLAT1 |
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 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 3592 W | 4592 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Total | 3590 W | 4180 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Drain cleaner | 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.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
