Product Description
Benshaw RC-150A-56AC120 RediStart Contactor — 150A, 3-Pole, 120V AC Coil
The Benshaw RC-150A-56AC120 is a 150A, 3-pole IEC/NEMA Size 4 contactor from the RediStart RC series with a 120V AC coil. Rated at 100 HP at 460V three-phase (150A AC-3), the RC-150A-56AC120 includes 2 Normally Open (NO) + 2 Normally Closed (NC) built-in auxiliary contacts provided as two side-mounted blocks. Benshaw designates the RC-150A as the manufacturer-recommended replacement for the legacy RSC-150-U120 contactor. The compatible overload relay is the RMSO series, which mounts directly to the contactor load terminals. All Benshaw RC series contactors carry a 2-year warranty.
Quick Specifications
- Current Rating: 150A AC-3
- HP Rating: 50 HP @ 230V / 100 HP @ 460V (three-phase)
- NEMA Size: Size 4
- Poles: 3-pole, non-reversing
- Coil Voltage: 120V AC, 60 Hz (85–110% of rated voltage)
- Aux Contacts (built-in): 2 NO + 2 NC (two side-mounted blocks, 1 NO + 1 NC each)
- Terminal Type: Screw terminals (no box lug kit available for this frame)
- Mounting: 35mm DIN rail or screw panel mount
- Compatible Overload: RMSO series (80–105A or 95–130A ranges, Class 10 or Class 20)
- Replaces: Benshaw RSC-150-U120 (legacy RSC series)
- Weight: 5.3 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years (Benshaw Promise)
- Certifications: UL, CSA, IEC 60947-4-1
RC-150A Coil Voltage Variants
| Part Number | Coil Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RC-150A-56AC120 (this item) | 120V AC, 60 Hz | Most common US |
| RC-150A-56AC220 | 220V AC, 50/60 Hz | AC |
| RC-150A-56AC240 | 240V AC, 60 Hz | AC |
| RC-150A-56AC500 | 440–600V AC universal | AC |
| RC-150A-56U120 | 100–240V AC / 100–220V DC universal | Universal AC/DC |
Need a different coil voltage? Call Kent Electrical Supply at 1-800-222-5129 or text your RFQ to 484-425.0652.
HP Ratings by Voltage
| Supply Voltage | HP Rating | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 230V AC | 50 HP | Three-phase |
| 460V AC | 100 HP | Three-phase |
Benshaw RC Series — Frame Comparison
| Model | AC-3 | HP @ 460V | Aux (built-in) | Overload | Replaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RC-12A | 12A | 7.5 HP | 1 NO + 1 NC | RMSO | RSC-12 |
| RC-22A | 22A | 15 HP | 1 NO + 1 NC | RMSO | RSC-22 |
| RC-32A | 32A | 20 HP | 1 NO + 1 NC | RMSO | RSC-32 |
| RC-65A | 65A | 40 HP | 2 NO + 2 NC | RMSO | RSC-65 |
| RC-100A | 100A | 60 HP | 2 NO + 2 NC | RMSO | RSC-100 |
| RC-150A (this item) | 150A | 100 HP | 2 NO + 2 NC | RMSO | RSC-150 |
RMSO Overload Relay Selection for RC-150A
| RMSO Part Number | Adjustment Range | Class |
|---|---|---|
| RMSO (80–105A) | 80–105A | Class 10 |
| RMSO (80–105A) | 80–105A | Class 20 |
| RMSO (95–130A) | 95–130A | Class 10 |
| RMSO (95–130A) | 95–130A | Class 20 |
Note for RSC-150 users: If you are upgrading from an RSC-150 contactor, the legacy SPO-150 overload relays are designed for the RSC-150 frame and are not compatible with the RC-150A. The RC-150A uses the RMSO series overload relays. Call 1-800-222-5129 for overload selection assistance.
Product Features
- 100 HP at 460V — NEMA Size 4: The RC-150A-56AC120 is rated for 100 HP at 460V three-phase (150A AC-3). It covers NEMA Size 4 motor control applications including large compressors, pumps, fans, chillers, and industrial process equipment. At 230V, it is rated 50 HP.
- 2 NO + 2 NC Built-In Auxiliary Contacts: The RC-150A-56AC120 ships standard with two side-mounted auxiliary contact blocks, each providing 1 NO + 1 NC — for a total of 2 NO + 2 NC. This provides immediate control circuit flexibility for interlocking, signaling, and PLC inputs without additional accessory blocks.
- Replaces Benshaw RSC-150-U120: Benshaw designates the RC-150A as the manufacturer-recommended replacement for the legacy RSC-150-U120. The RC series is the current production successor to the RSC series. Important: the legacy RSC-150 uses SPO-150 series overload relays; the current RC-150A uses RMSO series overload relays. These are not interchangeable. When upgrading from an RSC-150 starter to an RC-150A, the overload relay must be updated to RMSO.
- RMSO Series Overload Compatible: The Benshaw RMSO series bimetallic overload relay mounts directly to the RC-150A-56AC120 load terminals (T1-T2-T3). Available in 80–105A and 95–130A current ranges, in Class 10 and Class 20 trip characteristics. Select the range that covers your motor’s full-load amperage. Note: contact kits and box lug kits are not available for the RC-9A–150A frame size.
- 120V AC Coil — 56AC120 Designation: The 56AC120 suffix specifies a 120V AC, 60 Hz coil operating at 85–110% of rated voltage. This is the standard US industrial control voltage. A universal coil variant (RC-150A-56U120) is available for applications requiring both AC and DC coil compatibility (100–240V AC / 100–220V DC).
- 2-Year Benshaw Warranty: Every RC series contactor carries Benshaw’s 2-year warranty — double the 1-year standard offered by most contactor manufacturers. Benshaw calls this The Benshaw Promise.
- DIN Rail or Panel Mount: Mounts on standard 35mm DIN rail or directly to a panel backplate via screw mount.
Stock Item – Order before 4:00 PM EST for Same-Day Shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RC-150A-56AC120 a direct replacement for the RSC-150-U120?
Yes — Benshaw designates the RC-150A as the manufacturer-recommended replacement for the RSC-150 series. The RC-150A shares the same 150A AC-3 rating, 3-pole configuration, and general mounting footprint as the RSC-150. However, there is one critical difference for complete starter assemblies: the legacy RSC-150 uses SPO-150 series overload relays, while the current RC-150A uses RMSO series overload relays. These overload relay families are not interchangeable. When replacing an RSC-150 starter with an RC-150A, the overload relay must also be changed to the RMSO series.
What overload relay is compatible with the RC-150A-56AC120?
The RC-150A-56AC120 is compatible with the Benshaw RMSO series bimetallic overload relay. RMSO overloads for the RC-125A and RC-150A frame are available in 80–105A and 95–130A current ranges, in both Class 10 and Class 20 trip characteristics. Select the range based on your motor’s nameplate full-load amperage (FLA). The RMSO mounts directly to the T1-T2-T3 load terminals of the contactor. Call Kent Electrical Supply at 1-800-222-5129 for overload selection assistance.
Can the SPO-150 overload relay be used with the RC-150A?
No — the SPO-150 series overload relays are designed for the legacy RSC-150 contactor and are not compatible with the RC-150A. The RC-150A requires the RMSO series. Kent Electrical Supply stocks both the SPO-150 series (for RSC-150 starters) and RMSO overloads (for RC-150A starters). If you are upgrading from an RSC-150 to an RC-150A, the overload relay must be changed to RMSO.
What is the difference between the RC-150A-56AC120 and the RC-150A-56U120?
Both are 150A, 3-pole RC series contactors with 2 NO + 2 NC auxiliary contacts. The difference is the coil. The RC-150A-56AC120 has a dedicated 120V AC, 60 Hz coil. The RC-150A-56U120 has a universal coil rated for 100–240V AC or 100–220V DC, making it suitable for applications where coil voltage varies or where DC control is used. All other ratings are identical.
Are contact kits or box lug kits available for the RC-150A?
No — Benshaw does not offer contact replacement kits or box lug kits for the RC-9A through RC-150A frame range. Contact kits and box lug kits are available for larger RSC-180 and above frames. For the RC-150A frame, replacement of the contactor is the standard service approach. Call Kent Electrical Supply at 1-800-222-5129 for availability and pricing.
Does the RC-150A-56AC120 qualify for same-day shipping?
Yes — the RC-150A-56AC120 is a stocked item at Kent Electrical Supply’s warehouse in Emmaus, PA. Orders placed before 4:00 PM EST ship same business day. For bulk orders, RMSO overload relays, or alternate coil voltage variants, call us at 1-800-222-5129 or text your RFQ to 484-425-0652.
