Product Description
Benshaw RC-85A-56AC120 RediStart Contactor — 85A, 3-Pole, 120V AC Coil
The Benshaw RC-85A-56AC120 is an 85A, 3-pole IEC/NEMA Size 3 contactor from the RediStart RC series with a 120V AC coil. Rated at 60 HP at 460V three-phase (85A AC-3), the RC-85A-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-85 series. The compatible overload relay is the RMSO series (RC-75A/85A/100A frame), which mounts directly to the contactor load terminals. All Benshaw RC series contactors carry a 2-year warranty.
Quick Specifications
- Current Rating: 85A AC-3
- HP Rating: 40 HP @ 230V / 60 HP @ 460V (three-phase)
- NEMA Size: Size 3
- 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 (RC-75A/85A/100A frame — see table below)
- Replaces: Benshaw RSC-85 series (legacy)
- Weight: 3.52 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years (Benshaw Promise)
- Certifications: UL, CSA, IEC 60947-4-1
RC-85A Coil Voltage Variants
| Part Number | Coil Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RC-85A-56AC120 (this item) | 120V AC, 60 Hz | Most common US |
| RC-85A-56AC220 | 220V AC, 50/60 Hz | AC |
| RC-85A-56AC240 | 240V AC, 60 Hz | AC |
| RC-85A-56AC500 | 440–600V AC universal | AC |
| RC-85A-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 | 40 HP | Three-phase |
| 460V AC | 60 HP | Three-phase |
RSC-85 vs. RC-85A — Key Differences
| Specification | RSC-85 (Legacy) | RC-85A (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Rating | 85A AC-3 | 85A AC-3 |
| HP @ 230V | 30 HP | 40 HP |
| HP @ 460V | 60 HP | 60 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-85A
| Adjustment Range | Class 10 | Class 20 |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25A | Available | — |
| 28–40A | Available | — |
| 34–50A | Available | Available |
| 54–75A | Available | — |
| 63–85A | Available | — |
| 70–95A | — | Available |
| 80–100A | Available | — |
Note for RSC-85 users: The legacy RSC-85 uses SPO-85 series overload relays. These are not compatible with the RC-85A. When upgrading from an RSC-85 starter to an RC-85A, replace the overload relay with the RMSO series. For a 60 HP / 460V motor (FLA ~65A), the RMSO 63–85A Class 10 is typically the correct selection. Call 1-800-222-5129 for overload selection assistance.
Benshaw RC Series — Frame Comparison
| Model | AC-3 | HP @ 460V | Weight | Replaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RC-50A | 50A | 40 HP | 1.98 lbs | RSC-50 |
| RC-65A | 65A | 50 HP | 1.98 lbs | RSC-65 |
| RC-85A (this item) | 85A | 60 HP | 3.52 lbs | RSC-85 |
| RC-150A | 150A | 100 HP | 5.3 lbs | RSC-150 |
Product Features
- 60 HP at 460V — NEMA Size 3: The RC-85A-56AC120 is rated for 60 HP at 460V three-phase (85A AC-3), making it suitable for larger motor starters in compressors, pumps, fans, chillers, conveyors, and industrial process equipment. At 230V, it is rated 40 HP.
- 2 NO + 2 NC Built-In Auxiliary Contacts: The RC-85A-56AC120 ships with two side-mounted auxiliary contact blocks, each providing 1 NO + 1 NC — for a total of 2 NO + 2 NC standard. This provides immediate control circuit flexibility for interlocking, signaling, and PLC inputs.
- Direct RSC-85 Replacement: The RC-85A is Benshaw’s manufacturer-recommended replacement for the legacy RSC-85 series. The current and HP ratings are the same at 460V (both 60 HP / 85A AC-3). The critical upgrade difference is the overload relay: the RSC-85 uses SPO-85 series overload relays, while the RC-85A requires RMSO series overload relays. These are not interchangeable. When upgrading from an RSC-85 starter to an RC-85A, the overload relay must also be changed to RMSO.
- RMSO Series Overload Compatible: The Benshaw RMSO series (RC-75A/85A/100A frame) bimetallic overload relay mounts directly to the RC-85A load terminals (T1-T2-T3). Seven current range options cover 18A through 100A. For a typical 60 HP / 460V motor application (FLA approximately 65A), the RMSO 63–85A Class 10 range is the most common selection. Contact kits and box lug kits are not available for the RC-9A–150A frame range.
- 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-85A-56U120) is available for applications requiring both AC and DC coil compatibility (100–240V AC / 100–220V DC).
- New Physical Frame vs. RC-50A/65A: The RC-85A uses a larger, heavier frame (3.52 lbs) than the RC-50A and RC-65A (both 1.98 lbs). These frames are not interchangeable in existing panel cutouts. If replacing an RSC-85, the RC-85A is the correct dimensional match.
- 2-Year Benshaw Warranty: Every RC series contactor carries Benshaw’s 2-year warranty — double the 1-year standard of most contactor manufacturers.
Stock Item – Order before 4:00 PM EST for Same-Day Shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RC-85A-56AC120 a direct replacement for the RSC-85-6AC120?
Yes — the RC-85A is Benshaw’s manufacturer-recommended replacement for the RSC-85 series. Both share the same 85A AC-3 / 60 HP @ 460V rating and 2 NO + 2 NC auxiliary contact configuration. The critical difference is the overload relay: the RSC-85 uses SPO-85 series overload relays, while the RC-85A requires RMSO series overload relays. These are not interchangeable. A complete starter upgrade from RSC-85 to RC-85A must include replacing the overload relay with RMSO.
What overload relay is compatible with the RC-85A-56AC120?
The RC-85A requires the Benshaw RMSO series bimetallic overload relay (RC-75A/85A/100A frame). Seven current ranges cover 18A through 100A in Class 10 and Class 20 trip characteristics. For a 60 HP / 460V motor with a full-load amperage of approximately 65A, the RMSO 63–85A Class 10 is typically the correct selection. Always verify against the motor’s nameplate FLA. Call Kent Electrical Supply at 1-800-222-5129 for overload selection assistance.
Can the SPO-85 overload from an RSC-85 starter be reused with the RC-85A?
No — the SPO-85 series overload relays are designed for the legacy RSC-85 contactor and are not physically compatible with the RC-85A mounting interface. The RC-85A requires the RMSO series. Kent Electrical Supply stocks SPO-85 overloads for RSC-85 starters still in service, and RMSO overloads for RC-85A starters. When upgrading from RSC-85 to RC-85A, replace the overload at the same time.
Does the RC-85A have the same frame size as the RC-65A?
No — the RC-85A (3.52 lbs) and RC-65A (1.98 lbs) are different physical frames. The RC-50A and RC-65A share the same frame; the RC-85A steps up to a larger, heavier frame shared with the RC-75A and RC-100A. If you are replacing an RSC-85, order the RC-85A specifically — not the RC-65A — for the correct dimensional match in an existing panel or enclosure.
Does the RC-85A-56AC120 qualify for same-day shipping?
Yes — the RC-85A-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.
