What is a Generator Control Panel?

A generator control panel is a tool that controls the generating set manually, automatically or remotely. It presents to the user, a set of indicators, displays, instruments, switches and pushbuttons assembled in a plastic or metal cabinet.

The inside of the cabinet may include electronic boards, miscellaneous components, and terminal blocks. Bernini Design started designing generator control panels in 1984. We manufactured over 100,000 generator control panels. In 2000 we introduced, in the market, the first combined generator controllers with automatic mains failure and automatic transfer switch controllers. Today is quite difficult to define exactly what a generator control panel is.

AMF ATS or WHAT?

AMF panels, ATS panels and Generator DASHBOARD panels are the common generator control panel types. Normal users tend to call them simply GENERATOR CONTROL PANELS. But we know that, in reality, the definition is much more complex than that. Stay tuned, and follow our tutorial.

Generator Control Panel Tutorial

HOW MANY TYPES OF GENERATOR CONTROL PANELS?

There is an abyssal difference between typologies of generator control panels. From a technical point of view, a simple generator control panel has the basic function of starting the engine and providing real-time protection. This prevents severe damage to the engine or generator. The generator control panel optionally features remote monitoring.

AMF-ATS CONTROL PANEL MANUFACTURING

It can manage a start and stop request from GSM, MODBUS or TCP/IP systems. More complex and expensive GENERATOR CONTROL PANELS may include all power electrical components able to transfer the LOAD to MAINS or GENERATOR. In other words, we should call them with appropriate terms: ATS (AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH) panels and AMF (AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH) panels.

The AMF and ATS panels are normally assembled in metal cabinets. The mechanical structure of the cabinets holds in place and protects all power equipment like contactors (electrically controlled switches used for switching electrical power circuits) and transfer switches (basically AC motorized ON-OFF-ON switches).

GENERATOR CONTROL PANELS FOR HOME STANDBY GENERATORS

Typical dimensions are from 60cm high up to 200cm high. The total weight may range from 16 kg up to 100 kg. Dashboard generator control panels are more similar to the dashboard of your car.

Can be made of a plastic box that includes various instruments and controllers. Typical dimensions are 40cm by 50cm. The dashboard is fixed on the frame of the generator. The total weight is about 5 kg.

When to use an AMF or ATS generator control panel?

Install an AMF panel with a power generator of up to 60kVA. Install an ATS panel when you require power above 60kVA. An AMF generator control panel is based on contactors changeover technology.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AMF AND ATS PANELS

This will allow you a precise monitoring of the mains and precise control of the load. The drawback is the continuous power requirements of about 20W to hold the contactor in a closed position. Contactors offer tremendous flexibility in operation. On the other hand, when high power is involved, the use of motorized transfer switches is mandatory.

The cost of manufacturing high-rated panels with contactors will be mindblowing. But, it depends on the value and importance of your standby application. Browse our offer of ATS and AMF generator control panels.

Generator control panels' working principle

The generator control panel is conveniently tasked with driving the circuit breakers or switchgear. Even though the power configuration and general arrangement are the same for all panels, the input-output lines for the engine connection and ancillary equipment depend on the controller type. The automatic transfer switch panel continuously monitors the status of the utility power. You can set low/high limits for Voltage and Frequency. In other words, when the voltage and the frequency are within the limits, the automatic transfer switch panel connects the load to the utility power. If the voltage drops below the lower limit (or rises above the high limit), the automatic transfer switch panel will disable the utility power circuit. This prevents, after a programmable delay, severe damage to your load. If the failure persists over the programmed time, the generator control panel will instruct the generator to start

The generator control panel does its business to check the quality of the generator voltage and frequency. Once it detects that the parameters are within the programmed limits, the automatic transfer switch panel will connect the generator circuit to your load. During a power outage, the generator control panel continuously monitors the utility power. When the utility power parameters return within the programmed settings, the generator control panel will transfer the load to utility power. This will happen after a delay that will ensure that the utility power is in stable conditions. After connecting your load to the utility power, the engine will run offload. Then, the engine will stop and the ATS panel is ready for a new power outage.

To succeed in your business choose the proper AMF & ATS controller

AMF generator control panels include a special controller committed to closer control of the utility power when the generator is connected in a standby configuration. An ATS generator control panel is a stand-alone generator control panel that includes transfer switches to transfer the load to the generator and utility power.

CHOOSE AN ATS CONTROLLER FOR YOUR GENERATOR CONTROL PANEL

This kind of generator control panel is a cost-effective solution in the case is connected to a generator with an embedded generator auto-start module. The ATS generator control panel features only the power components committed to loading transfer. It includes simple electronic boards.

CHOOSE AN AMF CONTROLLER FOR YOUR GENERATOR CONTROL PANEL

A more complex generator control panel is required for parallel application for two or more generators. The generator control panels are made according to standard international specifications. Additional differences are noticeable when it comes to industrial, commercial, or military applications for example.

Do you want to make your own ATS panel? we teach you how to do it

ATS PANEL TUTORIAL

You can learn from us how to make ATS and in general AMF control panels. We have been manufacturing controllers and panels since 1984. Trust or 40 years of experience in making control panels for generators.

Find out more about a generator control panel by choosing your language, or browse this page in English