The Honda EG6500CL is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 5,500 W and a starting wattage of 6,500 W. (Read full specs)
This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
It was replaced by the Honda EM6500SX.
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EG6500CL
To sum up, the Honda EG6500CL is a portable generator tailored for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EG6500CL
Featuring a 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, the Honda EG6500CL operates using gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 5,500W and a starting wattage of 6,500W.
With a noise rating of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a vacuum cleaner), the generator features a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
The EG6500CL boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 6.3 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for around 10 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 0.63 gallons per hour).
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, thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the EG6500CL is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
With its L26.8 x W20.9 x H22.5 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Honda EG6500CL guarantees stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Despite its weight of 179 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. 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 EG6500CL's control panel
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), ensuring peace of mind during its use.
Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Honda EG6500CL'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.
The Honda EG6500CL versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EG6500CL compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- With a dry weight of 179 lbs, the Honda EG6500CL falls within the expected weight range for generators in the 5000 to 6000 rated wattage. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN DF680iX, with a dry weight of just 94.8 pounds.
- Given its rated noise level of 70 dBA, this generator aligns with the average expected noise rating for devices of similar power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU7000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- Given that the EG6500CL reaches an autonomy of around 10 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Cat RP5500 shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 15 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.63 GPH at a 50% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the DuroMax XP7000iH, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.38 gallons per hour.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- DAVR technology
- Decent weight (179 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (70 dBA)
- Decent run time
- No data center
- No electric start
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,500 W |
| Starting watts | 6,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 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 | 179 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.8 x 20.9 x 22.5 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 | EG6500CLAT1 |
| UPC | 786102005333 |
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 EG6500CL 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 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5872 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3780 W | 6480 W |
What is the difference between the EG6500, the EG6500CL and the EG6500CLAT1?
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.
Can this generator us gas with ethanol in it (Asked October 26, 2020)
You may use regular unleaded gasoline cointaining no more than 10% ethanol (E10) by volume.
