Honda EM4000SX (Discontinued)
The Honda EM4000SX is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,000 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 EG4000CL, which offers similar specs.
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EM4000SX
In summary, the Honda EM4000SX 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
- Amateur DIY lovers
- 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
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 EM4000SX
Featuring a 270 cc Honda iGX270 OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve, the Honda EM4000SX operates using gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 4,000W (and even up to 5,000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
The generator, rated for a noise of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), provides flexibility in starting, offering both a conventional pull-start mechanism and a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the EM4000SX can also be remotely started (separate purchase).
With a fuel capacity of 6.2 gallons, the EM4000SX may run for around 16 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.39 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output offering a convenient battery charging option.
Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Honda generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
Measuring L41.1 x W27.8 x H28.3 in, the classic open frame build of the Honda EM4000SX delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 204 lbs of this generator may make manual lifting and transportation somewhat difficult. However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
The EM4000SX's control panel
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Honda EM4000SX also comes with the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), allowing you to start it right away. An official storage cover is available, as a separate purchase.
iAVR Technology
Honda’s iAVR (opens in a new tab) (Intelligent Automatic Voltage Regulation) reduces voltage fluctuation by up to 50% over current AVR systems.
In conventional generators, when a load is applied, the engine’s rpm drops, which causes the voltage and frequency to drop as well, until the rpm recovers.
iAVR is a combination of the DAVR (opens in a new tab) technology and the iGX (opens in a new tab) engine technology, which serves to provide advanced and instantaneous engine rpm control when a load is applied.
As a result, voltage and frequency are precisely regulated and the EM4000SX is able to produce a starting wattage above the maximum rating, for up to 10 seconds. Therefore, thanks to iAVR, the EM4000SX is able to “overclock” itself above its 4000 starting watts and provide up to 5000 W.
Product Videos
The Honda EM4000SX versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EM4000SX compare to generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- Considering its dry weight of 204 pounds, the Honda EM4000SX is one of the heavier generators producing between 3000 and 4000 running watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO with only 46 pounds.
- Since this generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 61 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 52 dBA.
- At 50% load, the EM4000SX achieves one of the longest run times compared to devices of similar power, sustaining operations for around 16 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. Compared to similar devices, this generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 0.39 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.22 GPH, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is a device you could look out for.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- Remote start capable
- iAVR technology pushes starting watts up to 5,000
- Quiet for its power (61 dBA)
- High run time
- No data center
- On the heavy side (204 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Honda EM4000SX 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 | 270 cc Honda iGX270 OHV 4-stroke, cast iron sleeve |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| 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 | 16 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | iAVR |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A output |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 6.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 204 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 41.1 x 27.8 x 28.3 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 61 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Battery and wheel kit |
| Series | Deluxe |
| Other model numbers | EM4000SXAT1 |
| UPC | 786102005265 |
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 EM4000SX 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 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 2517 W | 3992 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 2760 W | 3350 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 EM4000S, the EM4000SX and the EM4000SXAT1?
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.
