Why you should NEVER fit generators with AMF, ATS, or multifunctional controllers.
Do you enjoy midnight power outages? Do you find the sound of an alarm buzzing while you're trying to sleep relaxing? Do you have an endless budget for replacing burnt-out contactors and ruined engine starters? If so, please, for the love of all that is holy, do not buy a Bernini Design generator controller.
The Human Interface Error: If you love running to the generator shed in the rain to manually flip switches like it’s 1955, our controllers will ruin that delightful hobby for you.
The Component Stress: If you enjoy replacing your expensive ATS contactors because they weren't switched with proper timing, stay away from our microprocessor precision. We make the mechanical parts last longer, which really ruins the fun for the spare parts industry.
The "Astuto" Factor:
A Bernini Design Generator Controller makes decisions faster than you can reach the switch. It removes the 'human element'—which, let's be honest, is usually the part that makes the system fail.
The Bernini Design Philosophy is water clear: no options no shortcuts!
1) - Install a "Generator Controller" into a generator.
2) - Install an "AMF Controller" into an "AMF Control Panel".
3) - Install an "ATS Controller" into an "ATS Control Panel".
Learn how to avoid something like this
In the picture: an overvoltage hit the generator controller. It propagates the problem to the generator and to a $6500 lithium-based UPS.
There are multiple reasons to get a catastrophic failure of a generator controller.
Poor electronic board design: This is not the case with Bernini Design controllers.
Poor coating against elements: This is not the case with Bernini Design controllers.
Overvolatges misunderstandings: Follow our tutorial.
How to get the most from generator controllers?
The Expert Secret: Preventing Catastrophic Failure. You might wonder why generator controllers fail. It’s rarely poor board design—it’s usually the sky.
The Lightning Problem: Most people make the mistake of installing AMF controllers directly on the generator. Unless you keep several centimeters of separation between AC and DC cables, you cannot kill the coupling capacity. A 10-meter cable in a shared conduit can reach 1000 pF. By the time you wire an AMF or ATS controller into that same generator, you are exceeding 2000 pF.
The Solution: Keep your systems isolated. Install a generator controller on the generator itself, and house your AMF or ATS controller in a separate metal cabinet. The AMF/ATS unit should simply instruct the generator controller to start and stop via DC wires.
Recommendation: Never let utility-side AC cables reach the generator. If you do, a single surge will fry your AVR and allyour sensitive DC components.
About Bernini Design
Bernini Design has been manufacturing generator controllers and control panels since 1984. As one of the most experienced companies in the industry, we have spent decades perfecting a single philosophy: We design and manufacture our own hardware. While others rely on third-party components, we control every aspect of the design. We don't just satisfy the needs of generator manufacturers; we focus on serving the end-users who rely on power when the grid fails.
Niche Leadership:
At Bernini Design, we don't just follow industry standards—we set them.
From our Italian design and manufacturing hub to our facility in Romania, the name "Bernini Design" has become synonymous with durability, safety, and uncompromising quality.
Controllers Portfolio
We manufacture specific AMF & ATS controllers, Auto-Start Modules and high-performances generator controllers. Products made from 1984 are always availble for replacements with the original ones or updated-cpompatible versioins. Bernini Design will nevel let you down. You can continue to browse the page or find help for choosing the suitable product to the following links:
The Intelligent Way to Automate Your Generator
Be2K-Plus
AMF/ATS Universal Controller Telecom Applications
Be2K-Plus Check the product specs
Be142
AMF/ATS Universal Controller General Applications
NFPA-100 COMPLIANT CSA-C282-M89
No one ever complained about our generator controllers
Be124
Universal Generator Controller 50/60/400Hz
This is our best offer for a generator controller for aircraft ground support machinery. The Be124's main focus design is a granular engine and generator control and monitoring. The Be124 interfaces with standard and J1939-compatible engines.
It works at 400Hz, consequently, you can use these controllers for generators' ground support units. These generator controllers feature extraordinarily advanced functions like oscilloscope and data logger,
BeK3
AMF/ATS Universal Controller Industrial Applications
NFPA-100 COMPLIANT
CSA-C282-M89
First, thanks to CANbus, and MODbus you can use these generator controllers when you require remote control and monitoring.
Second, the embedded mains monitoring will allow you to manufacture AMF and ATS panels. Lastly, the metal cover offers extraordinary protection from overvoltages.
Be24
AMF/ATSGenerator Auto-Start Industrial Applications
Invest in our generator controllers. In many cases with less than $200, you can purchase a generator controller that, at the end, will double the value of your old generator. You can transform it into a good standby system. You may need to add only 2 automotive relays. The Be24 generator controller is designed to interface with a generator as old as 40 years. Watch our online tutorial.
Among the generator controllers for general purposes, the Be24 is the best choice. First, it withstands harsh conditions. Consequently is the best solution when it comes to industrial-grade generators.
Tutorial Video
Add two relays to transform a second-hand generator into an automatic generating set.
Be1
Universal Auto-Start / Low Battery Start Controller
Tutorial Video
The Be1 is a cost-effective generator control and monitoring module. You can remotely start and stop the generator via hardware contact or GSM.
Be172
Universal Engine Key-Start General Applications
Install it in a small generator, compressor, or agricultural machinery.
Tutorial Video
It provides an automatic stop to prevent major damage to your engine.
Be72
Diesel Engine Key Start Module
Install it in a small generator, compressor, or agricultural machinery
Be242
Universal ATS Controller General Applications
Tutorial Video
The Be242 features an interface board that connects diesel, gasoline or gas engines.
Generator Remote Monitoring Solutions
Gsm/Modbus/TCP-IP Modules
Diesel Generator Monitoring System
AMT910 AMT920 BE11
Single-Phase AMF Controller
The AMTXX controllers are no longer available. But you can replace this unit with Be21. It is fully compatible.
Be23 & Be46
General Putpose Generator Controller
BM80
1980' General Purpose AMF Controller
It is about a general-purpose 3-phase automatic mains failure which monitors two wires from the alternator up to 500V. It features a battery charger.
Be21
1980' Single-Phase AMF Controller
It is about a general-purpose single-phase automatic mains failure first designed in 1990 with the name AMT910, then Be11 in 1998, then Be21 in 2002. There are over 150.000 Be21 working worldwide. Replacement units are always available in stock.
Be22
1980' 3-Phase AMF Controller
This is Be21's big brother. Originally designed in 2003, the Be22 is a completely 3-phase AMF controller.
More than 50,000 Be22 are in operation globally. We recommend that you replace the Be22 with the Be242.
Be42
2004' General Purpose AMF Controller
Be20
1980' Engine Key-Start Module
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