Overview
The Allen-Bradley W56 is a thermal overload relay heater element designed for eutectic alloy type overload relays. Manufactured by Rockwell Automation, this heater element is engineered to provide reliable Class 20 trip protection for industrial motor control applications. The W56 is optimized for use with Bulletin 500 line starters and is a critical component in thermal overload relay assemblies used across NEMA-rated motor control systems.
Key Features
- Eutectic Alloy Design: Provides precise, consistent thermal response and trip characteristics for dependable overload protection
- Class 20 Protection: Meets standard trip class 20 operation suitable for general industrial applications
- Bulletin 500 Compatibility: Designed for Allen-Bradley Bulletin 500 magnetic starters and motor control systems
- Type W Series: Standard W-type heater element compatible with multiple motor starter sizes
- Manual Reset: Requires manual reset after thermal trip for safe system operation
- Compact Form Factor: Lightweight design (0.05 lbs) fits standard overload relay assemblies
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: W56
- Heater Type: Eutectic alloy thermal element
- Trip Class: 20 (Class 20 protection)
- Current Rating Size 00–0: 14.6 Amps
- Current Rating Size 1: 15.0 Amps
- Current Rating Size 2: 15.1 Amps
- Reset Type: Manual
- Weight: 0.05 lbs
- Standard/Certification: KC (NEMA/industrial standard)
- Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
- Series: W Series (Type W)
- Condition: New in Box
Typical Applications
The Allen-Bradley W56 heater element is commonly used in:
- Three-phase AC motor protection in industrial automation systems
- Magnetic motor starters with built-in overload relay protection
- Pump and compressor motor control circuits
- HVAC equipment motor protection
- Conveyor and material handling system drives
- General purpose industrial motor control panels
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Allen-Bradley Bulletin 500 line starters and magnetic contactors
- NEMA-rated thermal overload relay assemblies
- Three-phase AC motor control circuits (general industrial applications)
- Motor starter enclosures and motor control centers (MCCs)
- Class 20 trip protection systems
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
The W56 replaces earlier versions of W56 heater elements in Bulletin 500 line starters. Verify specific compatibility with your existing thermal relay assembly before ordering, as heater sizing is critical to proper overload protection. Consult your system documentation or contact your system integrator to confirm the correct replacement element for your application.
Works With
- Allen-Bradley Bulletin 500 magnetic starters
- Thermal overload relay units (eutectic alloy type)
- NEMA manual and magnetic motor starters
- Standard industrial motor control panels and systems
- Manual reset safety circuits requiring overload protection
