Honda EM5000SX - 4500/5000W Portable Generator With Remote Start
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)
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Zoro | Price history for the Honda EM5000SX |
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| Highest Price $3,249.99 Lowest Price $2,799.00 Current Price $2,799.00 |
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EM5000SX
In short, the Honda EM5000SX is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- 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 in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EM5000SX
Running on gasoline, the Honda EM5000SX utilizes a 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve to deliver 120/240V, offering a running wattage of 4,500W and a starting wattage of 5,000W (and even up to 7,000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
With a noise rating of 63 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also a straightforward and intuitive electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the EM5000SX can also be remotely started (via the My Generator App).
With a full tank, the EM5000SX can operate for around 10.5 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.59 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 6.2 gallons.
Since the EM5000SX has a somewhat high THD (<10%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output with which charging your batteries is made easy.
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, due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the EM5000SX is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
Portability
At L41.1 x W27.8 x H28.3 in, the standard open frame design of the Honda EM5000SX delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
With a weight of 226.4 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its wheel kit and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
The EM5000SX's control panel
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), offering peace of mind throughout operation.
Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Honda EM5000SX'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.
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).
- Tipping the scales at 226.4 lbs, the Honda EM5000SX qualifies as one of the heavier options among generators rated between 4000 and 5000 watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 64 pounds.
- At just 63 dBA rated noise level, this generator is positioned as one of the quieter choices among devices delivering similar power. If you value reduced noise levels, the Yamaha EF4500iSE could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 58 dBA.
- The EM5000SX provides around 10.5 hours of runtime at a 50% load on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among similar generators. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the NorthStar c5500, which is able to run for around 15.1 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. Among generators of similar output, this generator ranks somewhat poorly in fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 0.59 GPH at a 50% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the WEN DF480iX, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.27 GPH, could be an option to consider.
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
Do you own the Honda EM5000SX 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 iGX390 OHV 4-stroke, cast iron sleeve |
| 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 | Floating |
| Accessories included | Battery and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Deluxe |
| Other model numbers | EM5000SXK3AN |
| UPC | 786102007412 |
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 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).
what battery is used to start the generator (Asked October 18, 2025)
Battery is 12V 11.2 Ah (10HR). Exact part number may depend on the unit's serial number. You may choose your serial number in this list (opens in a new tab) to have access to all its matching parts.
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.