Bernardo AC/PRO/500/20V/F/W Oil-Free Air Compressor – 1.8 kW Motor, 20 L Tank
The Bernardo AC/PRO/500/20 compressor represents a balanced solution between portability and capacity for artisan workshops, light carpentry, and temporary construction sites where single-phase 220V power is available. The oil-free system eliminates the need for pre-heating, oil condensate drainage, and compressed air filtration, reducing the complexity of routine maintenance compared to traditional oil compressors. This makes the machine ideal for those who need clean air for painting, blowing, and pneumatic air tools (drills, grinders) without additional pre-drying.
The 1.8 kW single-phase motor develops enough power to generate a free-air delivery of 460 l/min: this volume allows simultaneous power supply to 2-3 light pneumatic tools (drills up to 0.5 kW, grinders up to 0.75 kW). The 20-liter tank accumulates compressed air, leveling consumption peaks and reducing motor start cycles (less wear). The maximum pressure of 8 bar is standard for professional pneumatic tools. The noise level of 75 dB(A) is low for a workshop environment with multiple operators.
Who chooses it in Italy
Joiners and carpenters with a fixed workshop prefer it for its versatility in powering drills, grinders, and pneumatic sanders without the need for cylinders. Painting and restoration artisans request it for clean air without oil contamination (critical for painted finishes). Temporary construction sites use it as a central power supply for pneumatic tools on multiple work fronts simultaneously. Window and door installers require an oil-free compressor for cleaning aluminum profiles before assembly (oil damages anodization). In the Krollit catalog, it represents the compromise for those who need medium capacity without the complexity of oil maintenance.
Who is the Bernardo AC/PRO/500/20 compressor suitable for?
| Profile |
Suitable? |
Reason |
| Artisan joiner / light carpentry |
Ideal |
460 l/min flow rate powers 2-3 light pneumatic tools simultaneously. Oil-free system simplifies maintenance. 20 L tank reduces motor start cycles. 34 kg weight manageable for a fixed workshop. |
| Temporary construction site / window and door installer |
Ideal |
Clean, oil-free air protects paintwork and aluminum profiles. Sufficient flow rate for pneumatic tools on multiple fronts. 75 dB noise level contained for multi-operator environments. 8 bar pressure standard for nail guns and silicone guns. |
| Mechanical / industrial workshop with >5 tools |
Adequate |
460 l/min flow rate is a limit for simultaneous consumption of >3 heavy tools (air blowers, orbital sanders 1+ kW). For higher volumes, consider a 50-100 L compressor with a 3-5 kW motor. 8 bar pressure is sufficient but not for specialized tools requiring 10-12 bar. |
Not suitable for: Continuous industrial use 40+ hours/week without motor change (machine sized for intermittent use). Heavy pneumatic tools >1.5 kW simultaneously (insufficient flow rate, risk of pressure drop). Mobile transport on a construction site without fixed connection (34 kg weight is manual limit).
Technical specifications
Motor and power supply
| Component |
Specification |
| Motor type |
Single-phase asynchronous |
| Motor power |
1.8 kW (2.4 HP/PS) |
| Voltage |
230 V |
| Frequency |
50 Hz |
| Phases |
Single-phase |
| Current draw |
Not declared by manufacturer |
| Motor protection |
Not declared by manufacturer |
| Motor speed |
2,850 rpm |
| Start-up |
Direct (no declared soft-start) |
| Insulation class |
Not declared by manufacturer |
Tank and compression capacity
| Component |
Specification |
| Tank capacity |
20 liters (horizontal) |
| Maximum pressure |
8 bar |
| Recommended operating pressure |
Not declared by manufacturer — typically 6-8 bar for standard pneumatic tools |
| Free air delivery (FAD) |
460 l/min |
| Air flow at load (8 bar) |
Not declared by manufacturer |
| Safety valve |
Yes (integrated in the tank) |
| Pressure gauge |
Yes, integrated analog |
Compressor and cylinder specifications
| Component |
Specification |
| Compressor type |
Oil-free reciprocating piston |
| Number of cylinders |
2 |
| Number of compression stages |
1 stage |
| Cylinder diameter |
Not declared by manufacturer |
| Piston stroke |
Not declared by manufacturer |
| Oil-free system |
Yes — reduces compressed air contamination and maintenance |
| Air filter |
Integrated (specifications not declared) |
Construction features
| Component |
Specification |
| Tank positioning |
Horizontal |
| Tank material |
Not declared by manufacturer |
| Corrosion protection |
Not declared by manufacturer |
| Air outlet connectors |
Not declared by manufacturer — typically standard 1/4" pneumatic fittings |
| Condensate drainage |
Integrated manual valve |
| Pressure regulator |
Not declared by manufacturer |
Dimensions and weight
| Component |
Specification |
| Length |
500 mm |
| Depth |
420 mm |
| Height |
820 mm |
| Net weight |
34 kg |
| Gross weight (with packaging) |
Not declared by manufacturer |
| Floor space |
~500 × 420 mm (horizontal) |
Acoustic performance
| Component |
Specification |
| Noise (sound pressure) |
75 dB(A) at 1 meter distance — estimated |
| Noise (sound power LWA) |
Not declared by manufacturer — estimated 82-85 dB(A) for 1.8 kW motor |
| Vibration |
Not declared by manufacturer |
Protection and compliance
| Component |
Specification |
| CE marking |
Not declared by manufacturer — presumably yes for EU machine |
| Applied standards |
EN 286 (for pressure vessels) — not declared by manufacturer |
| Warranty |
24 months from date of purchase (standard Bernardo) |
| Country of manufacture |
Austria |
Standard equipment
- AC/PRO/500/20 air compressor assembled and ready for use
- 20-liter horizontal tank with integrated safety valve
- 1.8 kW single-phase motor mounted
- Integrated analog pressure gauge
- Manual condensate drainage valve
- User manual in Italian and German
- Technical data sheet with maintenance instructions
- CE declaration of conformity (if included)
-
Not included: compressed air hose, pneumatic fittings, pressure regulator
Frequently asked questions
How many pneumatic tools can I connect simultaneously to the compressor?
Depends on tool power. 460 l/min flow rate allows powering 2-3 light tools simultaneously (drills 0.3-0.5 kW, grinders 0.5-0.75 kW). For 4+ tools or heavy tools (sanders >1 kW), the flow rate becomes insufficient = pressure drop, reduced performance. Recommended to measure the consumption of specific tools.
Does an oil-free compressor really reduce maintenance?
Yes, significantly. An oil-free compressor eliminates oil changes (complexity and costs). Routine maintenance consists of: checking the air filter every 50 hours (cleaning or replacement), weekly condensate drainage (manual valve), checking pressure gauge. An oil compressor would require oil changes every 500-1,000 hours in addition to additional filtration.
Can I use the compressor for automotive spray painting?
Partially yes, but with caution. Oil-free air is a prerequisite. However, automotive painting requires forced air drying (filters up to 3 microns, refrigerated dryer) not declared on this model. For basic painting, it is suitable; for professional automotive finishes, consider adding an external dryer.
What is the recommended maximum duty cycle?
The compressor is designed for intermittent use, not continuous. Recommended: maximum 4-6 hours/day with breaks, not 24/7. The 1.8 kW motor without soft-start starts directly = current peaks. For use >200 hours/month, consider a larger compressor with soft start.
Can I move the compressor from one workshop to another?
Yes, it is possible but with precautions. The 34 kg weight requires 1-2 people. Dimensions 500 × 420 × 820 mm must pass through doors/stairs (measure entrance first). Before moving: completely discharge pressure, close isolation valve if present, secure tank to avoid damage. After moving, ventilate the compressor for 10 minutes before starting.
What compressed air hose should I use?
Pneumatic rubber/PVC hose with a minimum pressure of 10 bar (margin over 8 bar working pressure). Standard 1/4" fittings with male/female quick connectors. Hose length: up to 50 m acceptable; beyond 50 m, significant pressure drop = loss of performance. Recommended a 20-30 m coiled hose with a reel for clean storage.
Do I need to drain the tank at the end of the day?
Recommended for use in outdoor environments or exposed to humidity. Drain pressure via the drainage valve after work = reduces nocturnal condensate formation in the tank. For use in a covered workshop, less critical but good practice. Every 1-2 weeks, manually open the drainage valve and collect condensate (water collected in a saucer).
What is the actual noise during operation?
75 dB(A) is moderate noise (comparable to a loud normal conversation). Acceptable in a workshop with nearby operators without special protection, but hearing protection is recommended for continuous sessions >4 hours. For nearby residential environments, it may be annoying — consider sound-absorbing screens.
