Honda EG6500CL (Discontinued)
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 has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
It was replaced by the Honda EM6500SX.
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EG6500CL
In short, the Honda EG6500CL is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
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 EG6500CL
Honda EG6500CL is equipped with a 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve, running on gasoline and providing 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 5,500W alongside a starting wattage of 6,500W.
The generator is rated for a noise of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a shower). Its starting mechanism is based on a conventional pull-start mechanism.
Featuring a 6.3 gallons fuel tank, the EG6500CL provides continuous power for around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.63 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 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. 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
Measuring L26.8 x W20.9 x H22.5 in, the classic open frame construction of the Honda EG6500CL provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
With a weight of 179 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability.
Features
The EG6500CL's control panel
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
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).
- Tipping the scales at 179 lbs, the Honda EG6500CL qualifies as one of the heavier options among generators rated between 5000 and 6000 watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 93.5 pounds.
- At 70 dBA, this generator's noise rating is in line with the expected average for devices within its power category. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU7000iS with only 52 dBA.
- The EG6500CL, falls within the average autonomy range compared to generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of around 10 hours at a 50% load and a full tank. 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.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 0.63 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP7000iHT, with a fuel consumption of 0.38 GPH could be in your good books.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- DAVR technology
- Acceptable noise (70 dBA)
- Decent run time
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (179 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Honda EG6500CL 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 | 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 |
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 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.
