Product Description
Benshaw RSC-180-U120 RediStart Contactor — 180A, 3-Pole, 125 HP @ 460V
The Benshaw RSC-180-U120 is a 180A, 3-pole IEC contactor from the RediStart RSC series. Rated at 125 HP at 460V three-phase (180A AC-3 / 230A AC-1), the RSC-180-U120 includes 2 Normally Open (NO) + 2 Normally Closed (NC) built-in auxiliary contacts. The U120 coil is a universal 100–240V AC coil — a single coil that operates across the full range of common North American control voltages (100V, 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, and 240V AC). Key features at this frame size include bolt-on power terminals, a draw-out coil cassette for field replacement without removing the contactor, and integral surge suppression. The compatible overload relay is the SPO-220 series. All Benshaw RSC series contactors carry a 2-year warranty.
Quick Specifications
- Current Rating: 180A AC-3 / 230A AC-1
- HP Rating: 60 HP @ 230V / 125 HP @ 460V (three-phase)
- Poles: 3-pole, non-reversing
- Coil: U120 — universal 100–240V AC (single coil covers all common US voltages)
- Aux Contacts (built-in): 2 NO + 2 NC (two side-mounted blocks, 1 NO + 1 NC each)
- Terminal Type: Bolt-on (lug) power terminals
- Coil Design: Draw-out cassette — field-replaceable without removing contactor
- Surge Suppression: Integral (built-in standard at RSC-180 and above)
- Mounting: Panel screw mount
- Compatible Overload: SPO-220 series (direct mount, RSC-180 and RSC-220)
- Weight: 11.9 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years (Benshaw Promise)
- Certifications: UL, CSA, IEC 60947-4-1, NEMA, BS, EN, VDE
What Does the U120 Coil Designation Mean?
The U120 coil is a universal AC coil, not a dedicated 120V coil. On RSC-180 through RSC-400 frame contactors, the U120 designation covers 100–240V AC — a single coil that operates reliably at any control voltage from 100V through 240V AC. This means one part number works across 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, and 240V control circuits without needing a separate coil for each voltage.
| Coil Suffix | Voltage Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U120 (this item) | 100–240V AC | Universal — covers 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, 240V |
| U200 | 200–240V AC | AC |
| U500 | 440–600V AC | Universal high-voltage AC |
Note: At the RSC-600 and RSC-800 frame sizes, the U120 coil covers only 100–127V AC (not the full 100–240V range). The 100–240V range applies to RSC-180 through RSC-400 frames only.
HP Ratings by Voltage
| Supply Voltage | HP Rating | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 230V AC | 60 HP | Three-phase |
| 460V AC | 125 HP | Three-phase |
SPO-220 Overload Relay Selection for RSC-180
| Part Number | Adjustment Range | Trip Class |
|---|---|---|
| SPO-220H-130A | 100–160A | Class 20 |
| SPO-220-150A | 120–185A | Class 10 |
| SPO-220H-200A | 160–240A | Class 20 |
For a 125 HP / 460V motor (FLA approximately 156A), the SPO-220-150A (Class 10, 120–185A) is typically the correct selection. Always verify against the motor’s nameplate full-load amperage. Call 1-800-222-5129 for overload selection assistance.
RSC Large-Frame Series Overview
| Model | AC-3 | HP @ 460V | Weight | Overload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSC-180 (this item) | 180A | 125 HP | 11.9 lbs | SPO-220 |
| RSC-220 | 220A | 150 HP | 11.9 lbs | SPO-220 |
How the RSC-180 Differs from the RC-9A–150A Series
The RSC-180 represents a significant step up in design from the smaller RC-9A through RC-150A contactors. Key differences that matter for installation and maintenance:
| Feature | RC-9A–150A | RSC-180 (this item) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Terminals | Screw clamp | Bolt-on (lug) |
| Coil Design | Fixed (not replaceable) | Draw-out cassette (field-replaceable) |
| Surge Suppression | Not included | Built-in integral |
| Coil Voltage | Dedicated (e.g., 56AC120 = 120V only) | Universal (U120 = 100–240V AC) |
| Overload Series | RMSO | SPO-220 |
| Contact Kits | Not available | Available (RSC-180+) |
Product Features
- 125 HP at 460V: The RSC-180-U120 is rated for 125 HP at 460V three-phase (180A AC-3 / 230A AC-1), making it suitable for large industrial motor starters including large compressors, pumps, fans, chillers, and process equipment. At 230V, it is rated 60 HP.
- Universal U120 Coil — 100–240V AC: The U120 coil is a single universal coil that operates across 100–240V AC. This means one part number covers 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, and 240V AC control circuits without requiring a separate coil for each voltage. This simplifies stocking, ordering, and field replacement.
- Draw-Out Coil Cassette — Field-Replaceable: The RSC-180 coil is a draw-out cassette design that can be extracted and replaced in the field without removing the contactor from the panel or disconnecting power circuit wiring. This significantly reduces maintenance downtime compared to fixed-coil designs. This feature begins at the RSC-180 frame; smaller RC-9A–150A contactors do not have field-replaceable coils.
- Integral Surge Suppression: Built-in surge suppression is standard on the RSC-180 and all larger RSC frames (RSC-220 through RSC-800). This protects the coil and control circuit from transient voltage spikes during operation, reducing the risk of coil damage and premature failure. Smaller RC-series contactors do not include integral surge suppression.
- Bolt-On Power Terminals: The RSC-180 uses bolt-on lug-type power terminals, appropriate for the heavier cable gauges required at 180A. This is a different terminal style from the screw clamp terminals on the RC-9A–150A frames.
- SPO-220 Overload Relay Compatible: The SPO-220 series bimetallic overload relay mounts directly to the RSC-180 load terminals for complete motor starter protection. Three ranges cover 100A through 240A. For a 125 HP / 460V application (FLA approximately 156A), the SPO-220-150A (Class 10, 120–185A) is the typical selection.
- 2 NO + 2 NC Built-In Auxiliary Contacts: Two side-mounted auxiliary contact blocks, each with 1 NO + 1 NC, provide a total of 2 NO + 2 NC for control circuit interlocking, signaling, and PLC inputs.
- 2-Year Benshaw Warranty: All Benshaw RSC series contactors carry a 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
Does the U120 coil only work at 120V, or does it cover other voltages?
The U120 coil is a universal coil rated for 100–240V AC — not just 120V. A single RSC-180-U120 contactor operates at any control voltage from 100V through 240V AC, including 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, and 240V. This makes the U120 the most versatile coil option for facilities with mixed or non-standard control voltages. If you need 440–600V AC control voltage, order the RSC-180-U500 variant instead.
Can the coil be replaced in the field without removing the RSC-180 from the panel?
Yes — the RSC-180 uses a draw-out coil cassette that can be extracted and replaced without removing the contactor from the panel or disconnecting the power circuit wiring. This is a significant maintenance advantage. The coil simply withdraws from the front of the contactor. This draw-out coil design is standard on all RSC-180 and larger RSC frames, but is not available on the smaller RC-9A through RC-150A contactors.
What overload relay is compatible with the RSC-180-U120?
The RSC-180-U120 is compatible with the Benshaw SPO-220 series bimetallic overload relay, which mounts directly to the RSC-180 load terminals. Three SPO-220 range options are available: SPO-220H-130A (100–160A, Class 20), SPO-220-150A (120–185A, Class 10), and SPO-220H-200A (160–240A, Class 20). For a 125 HP / 460V application, the SPO-220-150A Class 10 is typically appropriate. Kent Electrical Supply stocks all three ranges. Call 1-800-222-5129 for overload selection assistance.
Is the RSC-180 still in production, or is it obsolete like the RSC-100 and RSC-150?
The RSC-180 is current production and is not obsolete. Benshaw’s product line divides as follows: the RC series (9A–150A) replaced the legacy RSC contactors in that size range, while the RSC series continues at 180A through 800A. The RSC-100, RSC-125, and RSC-150 are obsolete; the RSC-180 and above remain the current standard large-frame Benshaw contactor line.
What is the difference between the RSC-180 and the RSC-220?
The RSC-180 (180A AC-3, 125 HP @ 460V) and RSC-220 (220A AC-3, 150 HP @ 460V) share the same physical frame size and weight (11.9 lbs) and both use the SPO-220 overload relay series. The difference is current capacity and HP rating. Both feature the U120 universal 100–240V AC coil, draw-out coil cassette, integral surge suppression, and bolt-on power terminals. Choose based on your motor’s full-load amperage and HP requirement.
Does the RSC-180-U120 qualify for same-day shipping?
Yes — the RSC-180-U120 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 SPO-220 overload relays, alternate coil voltage variants (U200, U500), or bulk orders, call us at 1-800-222-5129 or text your RFQ to 484-425-0652.
