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Description
Zoom on the Honda EM5000SX
In a nutshell, the Honda EM5000SX is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EM5000SX
The Honda EM5000SX is powered by a 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 4,500W as well as a peak wattage of 5,000W (and even up to 7,000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 63 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the EM5000SX can also be remotely started (via the My Generator App).
The fuel capacity of 6.2 gallons allows the EM5000SX to operate for around 10.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.59 GPH).
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the EM5000SX is not recommended due to its relatively high THD (<10%).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 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, as the EM5000SX holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
The Honda EM5000SX has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L41.1 x W27.8 x H28.3 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 226.4 pounds. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The EM5000SX'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 standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Besides the features previously mentioned, accessory-wise, the Honda EM5000SX comes with the usual documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) needed to get you promptly started. 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.
Emissions
The Honda EM5000SX is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
In addition, the unit meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.
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 its weight of 226.4 lbs, the Honda EM5000SX is one of the heavier generators in the 4000-5000 rated wattage category. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN 56477i, with a dry weight of only 72.7 lbs.
- Since this generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 63 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Yamaha EF4500iSE, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 58 dBA.
- The EM5000SX, offering a run time of around 10.5 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Dewalt DXGN4500, with around 15 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator is not fuel efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.59 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the WEN 56480iX, 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 this interactive chart, 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
- Quiet for its power (63 dBA)
- Decent run time
- On the expensive side
- Not CARB-compliant
- 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 G300-2018 |
| 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
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.