Honda EM6500SX - 5500/6500W Portable Generator With Remote Start
The Honda EM6500SX 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)
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EM6500SX
In summary, the Honda EM6500SX is a portable generator especially useful 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 sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EM6500SX
The Honda EM6500SX's core is the 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 5,500W and a peak wattage of 6,500W (and even up to 7,000 W thanks to the iAVR technology).
At a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), this generator provides the choice between a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism or a straightforward and intuitive electric starter (battery included) for starting. Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the EM6500SX can also be remotely started (via the My Generator App).
With its 6.2 gallons fuel tank, the EM6500SX can operate for around 9.8 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (with fuel usage averaging around 0.63 GPH).
As the EM6500SX has a relatively high THD (<10%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output providing easy battery charging capabilities.
Even though this Honda generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, because the EM6500SX is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
At L41.4 x W27.8 x H28.3 in, the standard open frame design of the Honda EM6500SX delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 231.7 lbs make may make it challenging to manually lift and transport. 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 EM6500SX'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 automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during operation.
Regarding its accessories, besides the aforementioned features, the Honda EM6500SX'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 EM6500SX 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 EM6500SX 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 EM6500SX is able to produce a starting wattage above the maximum rating, for up to 10 seconds. Therefore, thanks to iAVR, the EM6500SX is able to “overclock” itself above its 6500 starting watts and provide up to 7000 W.
Product Video
The Honda EM6500SX versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EM6500SX compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- As its dry weight is 231.7 pounds, the Honda EM6500SX is one of the heavier of the products which can generate 5000 to 6000 running watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO, standing at just 93.5 lbs.
- This generator offers a rated noise level of 64 dBA, placing it among the quieter alternatives in its power category. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Honda EU7000iS appealing. It's rated at 52 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- At a 50% load, the EM6500SX's around 9.8 hours of runtime on a full tank fall within the average autonomy range for similarly powerful generators. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Pulsar PG7500 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 13 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This generator doesn't excel in fuel efficiency when compared to others of its kind: it consumes approximately 0.63 GPH at a 50% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the DuroMax XP7000iHT, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.38 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 5000-6000W generators, the Honda EM6500SX 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 (64 dBA)
- Decent run time
- On the expensive side
- On the heavy side (231.7 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Honda EM6500SX 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 | 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 | 9.8 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 | 231.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 41.4 x 27.8 x 28.3 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 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 | EM6500SXK2AN |
| UPC | 786102010276 |
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 EM6500SX 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5497 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| 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 EM6500S, the EM6500SX and the EM6500SXK2AN?
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.
Your review states the em6500sx neutral is bonded to the frame. Page 61 of the owners’ manual says the system ground is not connected to the AC neutral wire. Which is it? (Asked March 18, 2021)
Does the Honda em6500SX generator have a tracking device on it GPS (Asked July 15, 2021)
The unit does not feature a GPS tracker.
does it charge onboard battery while running (Asked October 30, 2021)
The generator charges the battery while the engine is running.
Where is the Honda EM6500SX manufactured? (Asked February 01, 2023)
The EM6500SX is manufactured in China.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
