The Honda EM5000SX 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)
ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 15
Amazon 
Northern Tool 
Acme Tools 
Zoro | Price history for the Honda EM5000SX |
|---|
| Highest Price $2,917.99 Lowest Price $2,599.00 Current Price $2,799.00 |
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Honda EM5000SX
In short, the Honda EM5000SX is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- 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 following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EM5000SX
The Honda EM5000SX's core is the 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 4,500W and a peak wattage of 5,000W (and even up to 7,000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
Enjoying a noise rating of 63 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery included). To add further convenience, the EM5000SX can be remotely started (via the My Generator App).
Thanks to its 6.2 gallons fuel tank, the EM5000SX can run continuously for around 10.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with an average fuel consumption of approximately 0.59 GPH).
The quite high THD (<10%) of the EM5000SX makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output providing easy battery charging capabilities.
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, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the EM5000SX is designed to be transfer switch ready, allowing easy connection to your breaker box for powering your home during a blackout.
Portability
Measuring L41.1 x W27.8 x H28.3 in, the Honda EM5000SX showcases a classic open frame layout, guaranteeing stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Even at 226.4 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight impede its portability. 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 EM5000SX's control panel
Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), providing peace of mind during operation.
Regarding its accessories, besides the aforementioned features, the Honda EM5000SX's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start it right off the bat. An official storage cover is available, as a separate purchase.
CO Minder
CO Minder monitors the ambient CO concentration
Honda's CO Minder is a system that monitors the ambient carbon monoxide concentration, and automatically stops the engine if the sensor detects a CO level of or exceeding 800 parts per million (ppm) at a given time, or an average of 400 ppm for 10 minutes.
A CO alarm indicator will flash for about five minutes, during which it will be impossible to restart the engine.
Honda My Generator App
Honda My Generator helps you monitor your unit
The Honda My Generator App (available on iOS and Android) makes owning the EM5000SX even more flexible and convenient, whether you are depending on it at home during a power outage, or enjoying an adventure at a remote campsite.
The app connects your unit and your phone via Bluetooth, across a 75-foot line of sight, giving you valuable information about your generator's operation and many additional features in the palm of your hands.
With it, you can easily monitor a range of information such as output power, lifetime run hours, oil life, or estimated remaining runtime. You’ll also receive warnings and notifications to remind you of routine maintenance.
Even better, the app allows you to control multiple, compatible Honda generators from a single mobile device, and to remotely start and stop the EM5000SX without a key fob.
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 EM5000SX is able to produce a starting wattage above the maximum rating, for up to 10 seconds. Therefore, thanks to iAVR, the EM5000SX is able to “overclock” itself above its 5000 starting watts and provide up to 7000 W.
Product Videos
The Honda EM5000SX versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EM5000SX compare to generators of similar power (between 4000 and 5000 W).
- With a weight of 226.4 lbs, the Honda EM5000SX is notably on the heavier side among generators in the 4000-5000 rated wattage range. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN 56477i, with a dry weight of just 72.7 pounds.
- With a lowest possible noise of 63 dBA, this generator places itself amongst the more quiet of the products delivering similar power. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Yamaha EF4500iSE appealing. It's rated at 58 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- Offering around 10.5 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the EM5000SX is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the NorthStar c5500, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 15.1 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. In fact, this generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.59 GPH. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the WEN DF480iX, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.27 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4000-5000W generators, the Honda EM5000SX 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
- Remote start
- CO Minder
- Mobile app
- iAVR technology pushes starting watts up to 7,000
- Quiet for its power (63 dBA)
- Decent run time
- On the expensive side
- On the heavy side (226.4 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| 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 | 10.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | iAVR |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A output |
| Data center | My Generator App |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 6.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 226.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 41.1 x 27.8 x 28.3 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 63 dBA |
| THD | < 10% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Battery and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Deluxe |
| Other model numbers | EM5000SXK3AN |
| UPC | 786102007412 |
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 EM5000SX 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 EM5000S, the EM5000SX and the EM5000SXK3AN?
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.
Did the Honda EM5000 are inverter? Silent? (Asked July 01, 2020)
The Honda EM5000 is not an inverter generator. It is rated at 63 dB(A).
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I have a EB5000X that I bought new in the 80’s. It still starts on the first pull and runs flawlessly. No flickering of leds or TV. Also no issue with computers.
Had this generator 4 years. Usually lose power about 3-5 hours once a month, winter time I usually lose power at least once for multiple days. Have a 1300sq.ft home, electric hot water, oven, and stove top, and water well. Never had an issue with output. Clean power. With it hooked up, its almost as if the power never went out. All my lights are LED, so that helps. I am mindful of what’s running at the same time. When taking a shower, you’ll hear the furnace fan and pellet stove fan have a little bit of drone to it until the hot water tank and well kick off, just too much demand. You can use a burner/oven/coffee pot/microwave (not all at the same time) and there is zero drone. If you’re mindful of what your doing and not running everything that’s high output at the same time, it’s a great machine, and it’s fantastic on gas usage. With it had a display or simple meter for wattage output. Fuel gauge is simple and easy to read, oil change is a breeze.