Product Description
Benshaw RC-65A-56AC120 RediStart Contactor — 65A, 3-Pole, 120V AC Coil
The Benshaw RC-65A-56AC120 is a 65A, 3-pole IEC contactor from the RediStart RC series with a 120V AC coil. Rated at 50 HP at 460V three-phase (65A AC-3), the RC-65A-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-65 series. The compatible overload relay is the RMSO series (65AF frame), which mounts directly to the contactor load terminals. All Benshaw RC series contactors carry a 2-year warranty.
Quick Specifications
- Current Rating: 65A AC-3
- HP Rating: 30 HP @ 230V / 50 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, 65AF frame (multiple ranges — see table below)
- Replaces: Benshaw RSC-65 series (legacy)
- Weight: 1.98 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years (Benshaw Promise)
- Certifications: UL, CSA, IEC 60947-4-1
RC-65A Coil Voltage Variants
| Part Number | Coil Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RC-65A-56AC120 (this item) | 120V AC, 60 Hz | Most common US |
| RC-65A-56AC220 | 220V AC, 50/60 Hz | AC |
| RC-65A-56AC240 | 240V AC, 60 Hz | AC |
| RC-65A-56AC500 | 440–600V AC universal | AC |
| RC-65A-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 | 30 HP | Three-phase |
| 460V AC | 50 HP | Three-phase |
RSC-65 vs. RC-65A — What Changed?
| Specification | RSC-65 (Legacy) | RC-65A (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Rating | 65A AC-3 | 65A AC-3 |
| HP @ 230V | 20 HP | 30 HP |
| HP @ 460V | 40 HP | 50 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-65A
| 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-65 users: The legacy RSC-65 contactor uses SPO-85 series overload relays. These are not compatible with the RC-65A. When upgrading from an RSC-65 starter to an RC-65A, 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 | 50A | 40 HP | 2 NO + 2 NC | RSC-50 |
| RC-65A (this item) | 65A | 50 HP | 2 NO + 2 NC | RSC-65 |
| RC-150A | 150A | 100 HP | 2 NO + 2 NC | RSC-150 |
Product Features
- 50 HP at 460V — Improved Over RSC-65: The RC-65A-56AC120 is rated for 50 HP at 460V three-phase (65A AC-3). This is a genuine improvement over the legacy RSC-65, which was rated 40 HP at 460V — a 25% increase in horsepower capacity at the same 65A frame. At 230V, the RC-65A is rated 30 HP vs. the RSC-65’s 20 HP.
- 2 NO + 2 NC Built-In Auxiliary Contacts: The RC-65A-56AC120 ships with two side-mounted auxiliary contact blocks, each providing 1 NO + 1 NC — for a total of 2 NO + 2 NC. This matches the RC-50A configuration and provides greater built-in control circuit flexibility than the smaller RC-12A through RC-32A frames (which include only 1 NO + 1 NC).
- Direct RSC-65 Replacement: The RC-65A is Benshaw’s manufacturer-recommended replacement for the legacy RSC-65 series. Important: the RSC-65 uses SPO-85 series overload relays; the RC-65A uses RMSO series overload relays. These are not interchangeable. When upgrading from an RSC-65 starter to an RC-65A, the overload relay must also be replaced with the RMSO series.
- RMSO Series Overload Compatible — 65AF Frame: The Benshaw RMSO series bimetallic overload relay (65AF frame) mounts directly to the RC-65A-56AC120 load terminals (T1-T2-T3). Six current ranges cover 12A through 50A in Class 10 and Class 20 trip characteristics. The same RMSO 65AF frame overload is also compatible with the RC-50A — both share the same physical mounting interface.
- 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-65A-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. 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. No box lug kits or contact replacement kits are available for the RC-9A–150A frame range.
Stock Item – Order before 4:00 PM EST for Same-Day Shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RC-65A-56AC120 a direct replacement for the RSC-65-6AC120?
Yes — the RC-65A is Benshaw’s manufacturer-recommended replacement for the RSC-65 series. The RC-65A matches the 65A AC-3 rating and 3-pole configuration, and improves on the RSC-65 with a higher HP rating (50 HP vs. 40 HP at 460V). One critical difference: the RSC-65 uses SPO-85 series overload relays, while the RC-65A requires RMSO series overload relays. These are not interchangeable. A complete starter upgrade from RSC-65 to RC-65A requires changing the overload relay to RMSO.
What is the difference between the RC-65A and the RC-50A?
The RC-65A (65A AC-3, 50 HP @ 460V) and RC-50A (50A AC-3, 40 HP @ 460V) share the same physical frame size and weight (1.98 lbs), the same 2 NO + 2 NC auxiliary contact configuration, and the same RMSO 65AF overload relay mounting interface. The RC-65A provides greater current capacity and HP rating. Choose the RC-65A when your motor’s full-load amperage exceeds 50A or when the application requires up to 50 HP at 460V.
What overload relay is compatible with the RC-65A-56AC120?
The RC-65A-56AC120 is compatible with the Benshaw RMSO series bimetallic overload relay, 65AF frame. 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. Call Kent Electrical Supply at 1-800-222-5129 for overload selection assistance.
Can the SPO-85 overload used with the RSC-65 be reused with the RC-65A?
No — the SPO-85 series overload relays are designed for the legacy RSC-65 contactor and are not compatible with the RC-65A. The RC-65A requires the RMSO series. Kent Electrical Supply stocks both SPO-85 series (for RSC-65 starters still in service) and RMSO overloads (for RC-65A starters). If upgrading from an RSC-65 to an RC-65A, replace the overload relay with RMSO at the same time.
Does the RC-65A-56AC120 qualify for same-day shipping?
Yes — the RC-65A-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.
