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 a nutshell, the Honda EM6500SX 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
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- 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
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EM6500SX
Running on gasoline, the Honda EM6500SX operates with a 389 cc Honda iGX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, with 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).
The generator, rated for a noise of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), provides flexibility in starting, offering both a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism and an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery included). For added user convenience, the EM6500SX is equipped with remote starting capabilities (via the My Generator App).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 6.2 gallons, the EM6500SX can operate for around 9.8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.63 GPH).
Given the EM6500SX's relatively high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 10%, it is advisable to avoid using it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it showcases 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
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. Besides, since the EM6500SX bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
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 featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 231.7 pounds. 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
The built-in fuel gauge of the generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
Besides the features previously mentioned, accessory-wise, the Honda EM6500SX 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 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).
- With a weight of 231.7 lbs, the Honda EM6500SX is notably on the heavier side among generators in the 5000-6000 rated wattage range. If you are mindful of weight, the Champion 201238 is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 101.4 pounds.
- Since this generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 64 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU7000iS with only 52 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 9.8 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the EM6500SX falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. 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 Predator 6500, with around 14.5 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. 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 0.63 GPH. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the A-iPower SUA7000L, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.36 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
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)
- On the expensive side
- On the heavy side (231.7 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- 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 | 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 | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Battery and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Deluxe |
| Other model numbers | EM6500SXK2AN |
| UPC | 786102007429 |
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 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5872 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| 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.
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