Can I save money buying a manual transfer switch?
A. Generally no. Most modern automatic transfer switches have a manual mode so they do not switch until you change the switch position to transfer or automatic. New switches are electrically operated and when they change position they use power from the utility or generator to move. They DO NOT have handles on the sides of them like old fashioned switches. You may save $100 or so on a manual switch and you cannot retrofit the switch later to make it automatic. For portable generators buy a manual switch from Reliance Controls. We carry a full line of automatic and manual switches.
