Ronk Manual Switches

We offer a variety of Ronk Manual Transfer Switches. As with any transfer switch there are a few things you need to look into before making a purchase. The three varieties of Ronk switches that we offer are non-service entrance rated, service entrance rated (SE Rated) and Non-UL. A non-UL switch can only be sold to licensed electrical contractors and electrical utilities. Although each of these are manual transfer switches with universal compatibility, they have small differences. If the size and rating of your automatic switch isn't compatible with your generator, or, you just prefer a manual switch, Ronk has the solution you are looking for.

Non-Service Entry Rated: A non-service entrance rated transfer switch is typical when you are not using your generator to power your entire house. Non-Service Entrance Rated switches do not have a power disconnect. This means that they transfer from utility power to generator without disconnecting the utility, and vice versa. If you’re only powering a sub-panel then that isn’t an issue, but, if you plan to power your entire home the local code will require a service entrance rated switch with a disconnect. Most electricians will recommend the SE Rated switches for safety purposes, even if the code doesn’t require it.

Service Entry (SE) Rated: The service entrance rated switches will be labeled as “center-off” switches. This type of switch applies the “break before make” method of transferring the service. When you move the lever for the switch it will completely disconnect all of the service by moving to the center position before making a connection to the generator or utility position. That means this switch is ideal for powering your entire home. You, or your electrician, will still have to make sure to comply with local codes, but you won’t have to worry about complying with the service entrance regulations. One of the noticeable differences with this Ronk manual transfer switch is that the disconnect is not controlled by a main breaker. That can seem foreign if you have been working with automatic transfer switches. With a manual transfer switch you would make sure to completely turn off your main service (flip service breaker) and then start the generator. This means there is no need for a service breaker, especially since you never have to worry about the utility service and generator power being on at the same time.

Non-UL Listed: The last option is the non-UL listed transfer switch. The circumstances for the use of these particular switches are few and far between. These switches will not meet the code requirements in most cities, which is why they can only be sold to licensed electrical contractors or electrical utilities. They still function the same way any manual switch would they just have not been tested or approved by Underwriters Laboratories. Underwriters Laboratories offers the standard by which most electrical items are graded in the US. If you are looking for a manual switch for use with an off grid generator it wouldn’t necessarily matter if you used a Non-UL switch. We would definitely recommend speaking to an electrician prior to purchase.