Description

Next-Generation Single Grade Laser for General Construction

The Topcon RL-H5A Laser Kit with LS-B20 receiver delivers the reliability and range that foundation contractors, concrete crews, and excavation operators depend on every day. This complete kit pairs Topcon's proven self-leveling rotary laser with the versatile LS-B20 multi-use receiver, a rod bracket, and a magnetic mount — everything you need to hit grade quickly and confidently on any jobsite. Whether you're setting forms, checking subgrade, or controlling cut-and-fill on a site, the RL-H5A gives you a dependable reference plane without the complexity or cost of dual-grade systems.

Overview: Where the RL-H5A Performs

Designed as the workhorse of Topcon's horizontal laser lineup, the RL-H5A covers the most common single-grade tasks in commercial and residential construction. Its wide operating range of up to 2,600 ft (800 m) in diameter and automatic self-leveling within ±5° make it fast to set up and practical across large sites. The horizontal plane is locked in automatically — operators can get to work in seconds rather than wasting time on manual calibration. The included LS-B20 receiver extends usability into bright outdoor conditions where the naked eye can't pick up the beam, and the magnetic mount keeps the receiver secure on grading rods and machine masts alike.

Key Specifications

Model: Topcon RL-H5A
Laser Class: Class 3R (IEC 60825-1)
Working Range (with receiver): Up to 2,600 ft (800 m) diameter
Self-Leveling Range: ±5°
Leveling Accuracy: ±10 arc seconds
Rotation Speed: 300 / 600 / 1200 RPM (selectable)
Manual Slope Range: ±5% (X-axis)
Dust & Water Protection: IP66 rated
Battery Life: Up to 100 hours (alkaline D-cell)
Operating Temperature: -20°C to +50°C (-4°F to 122°F)
Receiver: Topcon LS-B20 Multi-Use Receiver

What's in the Kit

Topcon RL-H5A self-leveling rotary laser
Topcon LS-B20 multi-use laser receiver with digital readout
Rod bracket for mounting receiver to grade rod
Magnetic mount for machine-mounted or metal surface applications
Carrying case for transport and storage
D-cell alkaline batteries
Operator's manual

Job Applications

Foundation & Concrete Forming: Set a precise horizontal reference plane to control footing elevations, slab thickness, and form heights. The RL-H5A's ±10 arc-second accuracy keeps your concrete placements consistent from pour to pour.

Site Grading & Excavation: With a working diameter of 2,600 ft, the RL-H5A covers even large commercial cut-and-fill operations. The LS-B20 receiver's audible and visual grade indicators make grade-checking fast for operators working solo at the machine or on the rod.

Drainage & Pipe Installation: Use the manual slope mode (±5% on X-axis) to establish a consistent fall for drainage swales, utility trenches, and sewer laterals without pulling grade strings across the site.

Interior Rough-In & Suspended Ceilings: At lower RPM settings the RL-H5A works equally well indoors for setting ceiling grids, establishing floor-to-floor benchmarks, and leveling mechanical equipment pads.

Compatible Accessories

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RL-H5A work outdoors in bright sunlight?: Yes. While the laser beam itself is difficult to see with the naked eye in direct sunlight, the included LS-B20 receiver detects the beam reliably at distances up to 1,300 ft (400 m) radius in full daylight. For extended machine work or low-light conditions indoors, the beam is visible at closer ranges.
Can the RL-H5A be used for vertical or dual-grade applications?: The RL-H5A is a single-grade horizontal laser. It supports manual slope on one axis (X-axis, ±5%), making it suitable for basic drainage and pipe-fall work. It is not designed for dual-grade or vertical plumb applications — for those tasks, consider the Topcon RL-SV2S or a dual-grade model.
What is the battery life, and what batteries does it take?: The RL-H5A runs on four standard D-cell alkaline batteries and delivers up to 100 hours of runtime — enough to last multiple weeks on most jobsites before a change is needed. Rechargeable D-cell batteries can also be used to reduce long-term operating costs.
Is the RL-H5A covered by a warranty, and is it shock-resistant?: Topcon backs the RL-H5A with a 3-year instrument warranty and a 1-year electronics warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer like Express Tools. The unit is IP66 rated for dust and water resistance and is built to withstand the vibration and rough handling typical of contractor jobsites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RL-H5A work outdoors in bright sunlight?

Yes. While the laser beam itself is difficult to see with the naked eye in direct sunlight, the included LS-B20 receiver detects the beam reliably at distances up to 1,300 ft (400 m) radius in full daylight. For extended machine work or low-light conditions indoors, the beam is visible at closer ranges without the receiver.

Can the RL-H5A be used for vertical or dual-grade applications?

The RL-H5A is a single-grade horizontal laser. It supports manual slope on one axis (X-axis, ±5%), making it suitable for basic drainage and pipe-fall work. It is not designed for dual-grade or vertical plumb applications — for those tasks, consider the Topcon RL-SV2S or a dual-grade model in the Topcon lineup.

What is the battery life, and what batteries does it take?

The RL-H5A runs on four standard D-cell alkaline batteries and delivers up to 100 hours of runtime — enough to last multiple weeks on most jobsites before a change is needed. Rechargeable D-cell batteries can also be used to reduce long-term operating costs.

Is the RL-H5A covered by a warranty, and is it shock-resistant?

Topcon backs the RL-H5A with a 3-year instrument warranty and a 1-year electronics warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer like Express Tools. The unit is IP66 rated for dust and water resistance and is built to withstand the vibration and rough handling typical of contractor jobsites.