Manual generator transfer switches are the mid tier back up generator setup.  With this setup a separate electrical panel is installed that powers specific circuits in the house.  This panel is hooked to the main panel allowing power from the grid to power the panel, then when the power goes out a switch on the panel can be set to the generator option after the generator is setup and plugged in. This setup does not require knowledge of your electrical loads as the panel will typically be setup to accommodate a specific generator and a limited load in the house.  This setup will only power the circuits wired up in the separate generator panel.

Items required:

• Properly sized generator plug mounted externally on the house, typically 30 or 50 amp for a residential house
• Manual generator transfer switch and panel
• Breaker on the main panel for the generator transfer switch
• Properly sized generator cable to plug into the house (30 or 50 amp
• Portable generator

Not all main panels have the space to add a generator breaker so this may not be an option without a circuit breaker panel replacement.  Choosing a position for the generator plug within 6 feet of the panel is the cheapest solution, it is significantly cheaper to get a longer generator cord to position the generator in the desired position than extending the wiring for the plug.

When the power goes out, it requires the generator to positioned in an outdoor spot, the generator cable plugged into the generator and the generator plug.  The generator needs to be started and then the manual transfer switch can be triggered.  When the power is restored this operation has to be reversed.