Product Description
Benshaw RC-50A-56AC120 RediStart Contactor — 50A, 3-Pole, 120V AC Coil
The Benshaw RC-50A-56AC120 is a 50A, 3-pole IEC contactor from the RediStart RC series with a 120V AC coil. Rated at 40 HP at 460V three-phase (50A AC-3), the RC-50A-56AC120 includes 2 Normally Open (NO) + 2 Normally Closed (NC) built-in auxiliary contacts provided as two side-mounted blocks. It is the manufacturer-recommended replacement for the legacy RSC-50 series and is also cross-referenced as Daikin McQuay part number 300050561. 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: 50A AC-3
- HP Rating: 25 HP @ 230V / 40 HP @ 460V (three-phase)
- 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 (multiple ranges — see table below)
- Replaces: Benshaw RSC-50 series (legacy)
- OEM Cross-Reference: Daikin McQuay 300050561
- Weight: 1.98 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years (Benshaw Promise)
- Certifications: UL, CSA, IEC 60947-4-1
RC-50A Coil Voltage Variants
| Part Number | Coil Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RC-50A-56AC120 (this item) | 120V AC, 60 Hz | Most common US |
| RC-50A-56AC220 | 220V AC, 50/60 Hz | AC |
| RC-50A-56AC240 | 240V AC, 60 Hz | AC |
| RC-50A-56AC500 | 440–600V AC universal | AC |
| RC-50A-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 | 25 HP | Three-phase |
| 460V AC | 40 HP | Three-phase |
RSC-50 vs. RC-50A — What Changed?
| Specification | RSC-50 (Legacy) | RC-50A (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Rating | 50A AC-3 | 50A AC-3 |
| HP @ 230V | 15 HP | 25 HP |
| HP @ 460V | 30 HP | 40 HP |
| Aux Contacts | 2 NO + 2 NC | 2 NO + 2 NC |
| Compatible Overload | SPO-85 series | RMSO series |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
RMSO Overload Relay Selection for RC-50A
| Adjustment Range | Class 10 | Class 20 |
|---|---|---|
| 12–18A | Available | — |
| 16–22A | Available | — |
| 18–25A | — | Available |
| 24–36A | — | Available |
| 28–40A | Available | Available |
| 34–50A | Available | Available |
Note for RSC-50 users: The legacy RSC-50 contactor uses SPO-85 series overload relays. These are not compatible with the RC-50A. When upgrading from an RSC-50 starter to an RC-50A, the overload relay must be replaced with the RMSO series. Call 1-800-222-5129 for overload selection assistance.
Benshaw RC Series — Frame Comparison
| Model | AC-3 | HP @ 460V | Aux (built-in) | Replaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RC-12A | 12A | 7.5 HP | 1 NO + 1 NC | RSC-12 |
| RC-22A | 22A | 15 HP | 1 NO + 1 NC | RSC-22 |
| RC-32A | 32A | 20 HP | 1 NO + 1 NC | RSC-32 |
| RC-50A (this item) | 50A | 40 HP | 2 NO + 2 NC | RSC-50 |
| RC-65A | 65A | 40 HP | 2 NO + 2 NC | RSC-65 |
| RC-150A | 150A | 100 HP | 2 NO + 2 NC | RSC-150 |
Product Features
- 40 HP at 460V — Improved Over RSC-50: The RC-50A-56AC120 is rated for 40 HP at 460V three-phase (50A AC-3). This is a genuine performance improvement over the legacy RSC-50, which was rated 30 HP at 460V. The RC-50A delivers 33% more horsepower capacity at 460V within the same 50A frame. At 230V, the RC-50A is rated 25 HP vs. the RSC-50’s 15 HP.
- 2 NO + 2 NC Built-In Auxiliary Contacts: The RC-50A-56AC120 ships with two side-mounted auxiliary contact blocks, each providing 1 NO + 1 NC — for a total of 2 NO + 2 NC. The RC-50A/65A frame is the first frame size in the RC series to include two aux blocks standard. Smaller frames (RC-12A, RC-22A, RC-32A) include only 1 NO + 1 NC.
- Direct RSC-50 Replacement: The RC-50A is Benshaw’s manufacturer-recommended replacement for the legacy RSC-50 series. It offers the same reliability and functionality as its predecessor. Important: the RSC-50 uses SPO-85 series overload relays; the RC-50A uses RMSO series overload relays. These are not interchangeable. When upgrading from an RSC-50 starter to an RC-50A, the overload relay must also be changed to RMSO.
- Daikin McQuay OEM Cross-Reference 300050561: The RC-50A-56AC120 is cross-referenced as Daikin McQuay part number 300050561, used in commercial HVAC chiller and air handler control panels. If your equipment documentation lists Daikin McQuay 300050561, the RC-50A-56AC120 is the correct replacement contactor.
- RMSO Series Overload Compatible: The Benshaw RMSO series bimetallic overload relay mounts directly to the RC-50A-56AC120 load terminals (T1-T2-T3). Six current ranges are available for the RC-50A/65A frame, covering 12A through 50A 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.
- 120V AC Coil — 56AC120 Designation: The 56AC120 suffix specifies a 120V AC, 60 Hz coil operating at 85–110% of rated voltage. A universal coil variant (RC-50A-56U120) handles 100–240V AC or 100–220V DC for mixed or DC-control applications.
- 2-Year Benshaw Warranty: Every RC series contactor carries Benshaw’s 2-year warranty — double the 1-year standard offered by most contactor manufacturers.
Stock Item – Order before 4:00 PM EST for Same-Day Shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RC-50A-56AC120 a direct replacement for the RSC-50-6AC120?
Yes — the RC-50A is Benshaw’s manufacturer-recommended replacement for the RSC-50 series, including the RSC-50-6AC120. The RC-50A matches the 50A AC-3 rating and 3-pole configuration of the RSC-50, and actually improves on it with a higher HP rating (40 HP vs. 30 HP at 460V). One critical difference: the RSC-50 uses SPO-85 series overload relays, while the RC-50A requires RMSO series overload relays. These are not interchangeable. A complete starter upgrade from RSC-50 to RC-50A requires changing the overload relay to RMSO.
What is Daikin McQuay part number 300050561?
Daikin McQuay part number 300050561 is the OEM designation for the Benshaw RC-50A-56AC120 contactor used in Daikin McQuay commercial HVAC equipment. If your chiller, rooftop unit, or air handler service manual references part number 300050561, the RC-50A-56AC120 is the correct replacement. Kent Electrical Supply stocks this part for same-day shipping.
What overload relay is compatible with the RC-50A-56AC120?
The RC-50A-56AC120 is compatible with the Benshaw RMSO series bimetallic overload relay. RMSO overloads for the RC-50A/65A frame are available in six current ranges spanning 12A to 50A, in Class 10 and Class 20 trip characteristics. Select the range that covers your motor’s nameplate full-load amperage (FLA). The RMSO mounts directly to the T1-T2-T3 load terminals. Call Kent Electrical Supply at 1-800-222-5129 for overload selection assistance.
Why does the RC-50A have a higher HP rating than the RSC-50?
The RC series represents a design improvement over the legacy RSC series. The RC-50A is rated 40 HP at 460V, compared to 30 HP at 460V for the RSC-50 — a 33% increase in horsepower capacity at the same 50A AC-3 current rating. This improvement reflects advances in contact material and magnetic circuit design in the RC generation. The RC-50A is therefore suitable for applications that would have previously required a larger RSC-65 frame.
What is the difference between the RC-50A and the RC-65A?
The RC-50A (50A AC-3) and RC-65A (65A AC-3) share the same physical frame size and weight (1.98 lbs), the same aux contact configuration (2 NO + 2 NC), and the same RMSO overload relay mounting interface. Both are rated 40 HP at 460V. The primary difference is current capacity: the RC-65A handles 65A AC-3 vs. 50A AC-3 for the RC-50A, making the RC-65A the appropriate choice for motors with full-load amperage above 50A or applications requiring greater short-circuit withstand margin.
Does the RC-50A-56AC120 qualify for same-day shipping?
Yes — the RC-50A-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.
