Product Description
Benshaw RC-12A-56AC120 RediStart Contactor — 12A, 3-Pole, 120V AC Coil
The Benshaw RC-12A-56AC120 is a 12A, 3-pole IEC contactor from the Benshaw RediStart RC series, rated for 5 HP at 230V and 7.5 HP at 460V three-phase. It comes factory-installed with one side-mounted auxiliary contact block (1 NO / 1 NC), screw terminals, and mounts on standard 35mm DIN rail. The coil operates on 120V AC. The RC-12A-56AC120 is the current-production replacement for the now-obsolete RSC-12-6AC120. For complete motor overload protection, the Benshaw RMSO series overload relay mounts directly to the RC-12A frame.
Quick Specifications
- Current Rating: 12A (AC-3)
- Poles: 3-pole
- Coil Voltage: 120V AC (60 Hz)
- HP Rating: 5 HP @ 230V / 7.5 HP @ 460V (3-phase)
- NEMA Size: Size 0
- Auxiliary Contact (included): 1 side-mounted block, 1 NO / 1 NC
- Terminal Type: Screw terminals
- Mounting: 35mm DIN rail
- Max Switching Voltage: 690V AC
- Compatible Overload: Benshaw RMSO series (direct mount)
- Warranty: 2 years (Benshaw Promise)
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
- Replaces: RSC-12-6AC120 (obsolete)
HP Ratings by Voltage
| Supply Voltage | HP Rating (3-Phase) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 230V AC (3-phase) | 5 HP | Pumps, fans, small conveyors |
| 460V AC (3-phase) | 7.5 HP | Compressors, HVAC, industrial machinery |
| Up to 690V AC | Per application | Resistive and inductive load switching |
RC-12A Coil Voltage Variants
| Part Number | Coil Voltage |
|---|---|
| RC-12A-56AC24 | 24V AC |
| RC-12A-56AC48 | 48V AC |
| RC-12A-56AC120 (this item) | 120V AC |
| RC-12A-56AC240 | 240V AC |
| RC-12A-56AC500 | 480V / 575V AC |
| RC-12A-DC24 | 24V DC |
Product Features
- One Auxiliary Contact Block Included: The RC-12A-56AC120 ships with one factory-installed side-mounted auxiliary contact block (1 NO / 1 NC). This is standard for the RC-12A frame size. Additional top-mounted auxiliary blocks can be added for more signalling circuits.
- NEMA Size 0 Rating: The RC-12A is rated at NEMA Size 0, suitable for motor control applications up to 7.5 HP at 460V three-phase. Smaller than the NEMA Size 1 RC-32A frame, making it the right choice for lower-horsepower applications where panel space matters.
- IEC-Rated Construction: Built to IEC standards. Rated for resistive and inductive loads up to 690V AC for a wide range of industrial motor control and load switching applications.
- 35mm DIN Rail Mounting: Snaps directly onto standard 35mm DIN rail. Screw terminals accept standard control wiring for fast panel installation.
- Direct-Mount RMSO Overload Relay: For complete motor overload protection, Benshaw RMSO series bimetallic overload relays mount directly to the RC-12A contactor frame, creating a compact motor starter assembly. The RMSO protects against overloads, phase failure, long starting times, and motor stalling. Select the RMSO range that matches your motor’s full-load amperage.
- Replaces Obsolete RSC-12-6AC120: The RC-12A-56AC120 is the current-production direct replacement for the now-obsolete Benshaw RSC-12-6AC120 contactor. Both share the same 12A rating, 3-pole configuration, and 120V AC coil. The RC series offers the same reliability and low cost as the RSC predecessor.
- 2-Year Benshaw Warranty: Every Benshaw RediStart contactor carries a full two-year warranty — twice the standard one-year warranty offered by most competing brands. Benshaw calls this the Benshaw Promise.
Stock Item – Order before 4:00 PM EST for Same-Day Shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RC-12A-56AC120 a direct replacement for the RSC-12-6AC120?
Yes — the RC-12A-56AC120 is the current-production direct replacement for the obsolete RSC-12-6AC120. Both are 12A, 3-pole Benshaw RediStart contactors with 120V AC coils and the same DIN rail footprint. The RC series directly replaces the former RSC line with the same reliability, functionality, and low cost. If you are replacing an RSC-12-6AC120 in an existing panel, the RC-12A-56AC120 is the correct drop-in substitute.
How many auxiliary contacts does the RC-12A-56AC120 come with?
The RC-12A-56AC120 comes with one factory-installed side-mounted auxiliary contact block containing 1 normally open (NO) and 1 normally closed (NC) contact. This is the standard configuration for the RC-12A frame size. If additional auxiliary contacts are needed, top-mounted auxiliary blocks can be added. Note that the larger RC-32A frame includes 2 sets of side-mounted auxiliary contacts as standard — if your application requires 2 NO / 2 NC, consider the RC-32A-56AC120.
Which overload relay is compatible with the RC-12A-56AC120?
The Benshaw RMSO series bimetallic overload relay is designed to mount directly to the RC-12A contactor frame, forming a compact integrated motor starter. The RMSO is available in both Class 10 and Class 20 trip versions across multiple current ranges — select the range that covers your motor’s full-load amperage. The RMSO protects against overloads, phase failure, long starting times, and motor stalling. Call us at 1-800-222-5129 for help selecting the correct RMSO range for your application.
What does “56AC120” mean in the RC-12A-56AC120 part number?
In Benshaw RC series part numbers, the suffix identifies the coil voltage. “56AC120” indicates a 120V AC, 50/60 Hz coil. Other available coil voltages for the RC-12A include 24V AC (56AC24), 48V AC (56AC48), 240V AC (56AC240), 480/575V AC (56AC500), and 24V DC (DC24). Always match the coil voltage suffix to your panel’s control circuit voltage before ordering.
What is the difference between the RC-12A and the RC-32A?
The RC-12A and RC-32A are two different frame sizes in the Benshaw RC series. The RC-12A is rated at 12A AC-3 (NEMA Size 0, up to 7.5 HP at 460V) and comes with 1 set of side-mounted auxiliary contacts (1 NO / 1 NC). The RC-32A is rated at 32A AC-3 (NEMA Size 1, up to 20 HP at 460V) and comes with 2 sets of side-mounted auxiliary contacts (2 NO / 2 NC total). Select based on your motor’s horsepower and the number of auxiliary contacts your control circuit requires.
Does the RC-12A-56AC120 qualify for same-day shipping?
Yes — when in stock, the RC-12A-56AC120 ships same business day from Kent Electrical Supply’s warehouse in Emmaus, PA when ordered before 4:00 PM EST. Current stock quantity is shown on this page. For bulk orders or questions about availability, call us at 1-800-222-5129 or text your RFQ to 484-425-0652.
