The Intelligent Way to Automate Your Generator

Stop wasting time with manual starts and unreliable workarounds.

Whether you are looking to provide seamless power backup for your home, automate remote machinery, or refurbish a reliable old engine with modern monitoring, Bernini Design offers the professional-grade intelligence your generator needs.

> 100% Reliable Crank Termination: Protect your starter motor with precise, logic-based control.
> Universal Compatibility: From basic gas engines to complex 3-phase industrial power plants.
> Remote Ready: GSM, Modbus, and TCP/IP connectivity options for total control from anywhere in the world.

Collect you tools because it's time to work: how to make a generator auto start?

What is an Automatic Generator Start (AGS) Module?

An Automatic Generator Start (AGS) module—often referred to as a generator controller—is a device designed to automatically start and stop a generator based on the status of its inputs.

DIY AGS INSTALLATION HONDA GENERATOR

In a standard configuration, the module monitors an external switch.

When the switch changes state, the controller initiates the start sequence.

Advanced AGS modules offer greater sophistication, such as the ability to trigger a start cycle automatically when the system detects that battery voltage has dropped to a critical level. Once the power requirements are met or the battery is sufficiently charged, the engine will automatically shut down based on pre-configured settings. High-end automatic start modules also support digital communication, allowing them to decode start and stop requests received via serial interface protocols. Beyond basic operation, a high-quality Automatic Generator Start controller is essential for protecting your equipment. It serves as a safety monitor, safeguarding both the engine and the generator from potential damage caused by:

> Low oil pressure

> Excessive engine temperature

> Overspeed conditions

> Electrical overload

>Cost-Effectiveness: Providing high value without unnecessary complexity.

>User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive controls and easy-to-read displays.

>Affordability: An accessible price point for high-performance technology.

>Clear Documentation: Simplified, easy-to-follow connection and installation diagrams.

>Environmental Reliability: Robust construction capable of operating in extreme climatic conditions.

>Universal Compatibility: Versatility that allows it to adapt to various engine and generator types.

Understanding Generator Auto Start Switch Logic

Choosing the correct switch technology is critical to how your generator performs. By default, all Bernini Design AGS modules are configured for Normally Open (N.O.) operation. However, our controllers allow you to toggle between modes to best suit your safety requirements.

Normally Open (N.O.) Configuration

In this mode, the switch remains open when the generator is idle.

>The Process: When the switch closes, the AGS controller initiates the start sequence (either immediately or after a pre-configured delay).

>Stopping: When the contact is opened again, the engine shuts down (immediately or following a programmed timer).

Best Practice: When connecting to an AGS unit, connect the input to the battery negative. While our inputs feature built-in over-voltage protection, we strongly recommend using dry contacts for maximum reliability.

Normally Closed (N.C.) Configuration

In this mode, the switch remains closed during normal standby conditions.

>The Process: The engine is instructed to start when the switch is opened.

>Stopping: The engine shuts down when the switch is closed again.

>Setup: Ensure your Bernini Design AGS module is specifically programmed to "NC Mode" via the settings menu.

Which Logic Should You Choose?

The choice between N.O. and N.C. is ultimately a matter of safety and system redundancy. When designing your installation, consider the "fail-safe" state in a worst-case scenario:

1)-The Disconnection Risk: If a wire is severed, an N.O. system will fail to start, while an N.C. system will trigger a start. In critical applications like fire protection systems, an N.C. configuration is often preferred because a wire break will immediately signal the engine to run.

2)-The Operational Risk: Conversely, if your priority is preventing the generator from running unexpectedly, the N.O. configuration is the standard industry choice. Summary for Professionals:

N.O. (Normally Open):

The industry standard for most general-purpose applications.

N.C. (Normally Closed):

Ideal for critical monitoring where a broken wire must trigger an immediate engine start.

Top-level Bernini Design generator auto-start controllers feature fully programmable N.O./N.C. inputs and flexible timers, allowing for delayed start/stop sequences of up to 24 hours to accommodate any industrial or residential requirement.

Typical Applications: The Versatility of a Simple Switch One of the core strengths of a Bernini Design AGS module is its ability to turn a simple, low-cost switch into a sophisticated automation trigger. By utilizing the remote start input, you can integrate your generator into almost any environment. Here are the most common scenarios where our customers leverage this flexibility:

Residential Backup (Battery Monitoring): Connect a voltage-sensing relay to the AGS. When your house battery bank drops below a critical threshold, the relay closes the switch, signaling the generator to start and recharge the system automatically.

Remote Equipment & Irrigation: Use a simple float switch in a water tank. As the water level drops, the switch triggers the generator to power an electric pump. Once the tank is full, the switch opens, and the generator shuts down.

Fire Protection Systems: In critical life-safety applications, an N.C. (Normally Closed) switch is used to monitor a fire alarm panel. If the signal is lost—either by intent or due to a severed cable—the generator starts immediately to ensure water pressure for sprinkler systems.

Temperature-Controlled Environments: Connect a thermostat switch in a greenhouse or server room. If the ambient temperature exceeds your set point, the controller engages the generator to power cooling or ventilation systems.

Solar/Off-Grid Hybrid Integration: A simple timer or external load-sensing device can trigger the generator during peak demand periods orduring prolonged periods of low solar production, ensuring your off-grid system remains powered without constant manual oversight.

Pro-Tip: Because our controllers support programmable delays, you can prevent "nuisance starts"—ensuring your generator only starts if a switch remains closed for a specific duration (e.g., ignoring a 2-second voltage dip but reacting to a 10-second power loss).

Choosing Your Bernini Design Controller

Now that you understand the logic behind your switch configuration, selecting the right controller is the final step to a reliable installation. We offer specialized solutions for both traditional mechanical setups and modern, digitally-integrated power systems. The following page collects the three typical wiring diagrams that will allow you building a suitable generator control panel.

Generator Controller Wiring Diagram Collection

The Be24: Key Start & Manual/Auto Flexibility

The Be24 is our premier solution for professionals who need to modernize generators. It combines the tactile reliability of a traditional key-start system with the sophisticated intelligence of a digital auto-start controller.

THE BE24 VIDEO PRESENTATION

Best for: Standard backup systems where you want both manual control and automated remote functionality.
Key Advantage: DIN96 standard form factor with 32 adjustable parameters for precise customization.

The Be1: AGS Controller with Modbus Integration

The Be1 is designed for high-level system integration. It allows you to move beyond simple switch inputs and leverage modern communication protocols to monitor and control your generator from any industrial control system.

THE BE1 VIDEO PRESENTATION

Best for: Complex industrial installations, remote telemetry, and SCADA environments.
Key Advantage: Full Modbus RTU support, enabling real-time data exchange, monitoring of electrical values, and remote control via TCP/IP or GSM gateway devices.

The Be124: High-Tech Generator Controller

Best for: Critical power applications, high-end residential, and industrial sites requiring advanced engine/alternator monitoring.
Key Advantage: Enhanced processing power, intuitive graphic interface, and superior connectivity options for total system oversight.

The Be124 represents the pinnacle of our engineering. It is a high-tech, multi-function controller designed for demanding applications where maximum visibility, advanced diagnostics, and seamless system integration are required.

AGS Controller Selection Guide

Use this chart to quickly identify the best controller for your application based on your specific requirements.

Need	Recommended Model	Key Features
High-end, 3-Phase Multifunctional	Be124	Advanced, covers >100% of standard requirements: Modbus, Canbus J1939, multiple I/O. Over 100 adjustable settings.
Single-Phase Universal with Connectivity	Be1	GSM, Modbus, and TCP/IP connectivity. Engine Analog Sensor Monitoring, Programmable I/O. Over 80 adjustabel settings.
User-Friendly & Cost-Effective	Be24	Universal, proven in over 300,000 installations. Key start, Auto Start, Generator Vac/Aac monitoring. £1 adjustable settings.

How to use this guide:

Do you require a full 3-phase, multifunctional controller for complex demands?
- YES: Choose the [Be124].
- NO: Move to the next step.
Do you require a single-phase universal controller with advanced connectivity (GSM, Modbus, TCP/IP)?
- YES: Choose the [Be1].
- NO: See our standard solution below.
Are you looking for a proven, user-friendly, and cost-effective universal solution?
- RECOMMENDED: Our most popular choice, the [Be24], which has been successfully installed in over 300,000 generators worldwide.

Bernini Design Srl

Industrial Park

46035 Ostiglia (Italy)

bernini@bernini-design.com

0039 335 70 77 148