As backup power solutions become more commonplace across residential, agricultural, and light commercial settings, the demand for smarter, more efficient electrical infrastructure continues to rise. Contractors, utility personnel, and property owners alike are looking for ways to simplify installations, reduce labor time, and maintain reliable access to power in any condition. The need for clarity, efficiency, and clean organization at the service entrance is greater than ever, and RONK’s new Meter-Rite Side-by-Side delivers exactly that.
This innovative product combines two critical functions into a single, space-saving enclosure: a double-throw transfer switch and a meter socket. Rather than installing separate components; each requiring its own wiring, hardware, and mounting space; the Side-by-Side offers a streamlined alternative that not only looks better, but also works better in the field. Whether you’re designing a generator-ready residential system or upgrading electrical service, the Meter-Rite Side-by-Side provides a dependable and user-friendly solution built to simplify your power control infrastructure.
Traditionally, setting up backup power involves multiple pieces of equipment: a meter socket provided by the utility, a separate transfer switch, and a mounting layout that accommodates both while preserving clearance and code-required access. This approach is functional but often clunky. Installers must navigate multiple boxes, inconsistent hardware, and a more complex wiring path that extends install time and increases potential points of failure.
The Meter-Rite Side-by-Side addresses these pain points head-on. By combining two essential components into a unified NEMA 3R aluminum enclosure, it reduces wall clutter, simplifies conduit runs, and accelerates installation. It’s a practical evolution of the standard transfer switch configuration in areas where reliable generator integration is essential.
At its core, the Meter-Rite Side-by-Side is a double-throw transfer switch paired with a meter socket, all housed in a single, rugged enclosure. Designed for use with standby generators, the unit allows safe and reliable switching between the power supplier and generator power while maintaining access to metering.
The “side-by-side” name refers to the physical layout of the unit, with the transfer switch mounted adjacent to the meter socket compartment rather than above or below it. This configuration provides several key advantages:
Available in 200 amp and 400 amp configurations, the Side-by-Side is built with field versatility in mind. From new construction to service upgrades, it delivers a seamless experience for contractors and a lasting value for property owners.
The Side-by-Side was built in response to contractors, utility partners, and distributors who needed a more efficient way to handle generator-ready installs. RONK’s decades of experience helped guide the design, ensuring that every feature supports real-world use cases and installation environments.
This product is especially well-suited for:
In all of these settings, the Meter-Rite Side-by-Side helps reduce installation time, minimize material costs, and enhance the overall quality of the system design.
The Meter-Rite Side-by-Side brings together some of RONK’s most proven design features with the convenience of modern installation practices. Below are some of the standout characteristics that make this product an excellent choice.
Constructed from #10-gauge aluminum, the enclosure is both lightweight and corrosion-resistant. This makes it ideal for outdoor environments where weather and wear can degrade other materials over time. Unlike painted galvanized steel, aluminum won’t rust, peel, or require frequent maintenance.
The manual double-throw transfer switch section of the unit provides a clear, intuitive mechanism for switching between the power supplier and generator power. Its mechanical interlock ensures that only one power source is connected at a time, supporting safe operation and preventing accidental backfeed into the utility grid.
The integrated meter socket compartment is designed for ease of access and service. Housing the meter socket alongside the transfer mechanism simplifies the overall service entrance layout, reducing both the number of enclosures and the wiring complexity.
The side-by-side configuration streamlines conduit entry points and eliminates unnecessary box-to-box transitions. Fewer penetrations and cleaner layouts translate to reduced installation labor and less chance of error… something every electrician can appreciate.
Whether you're installing a 200A residential service or a 400A light commercial panel, the Side-by-Side has options to fit your needs. Designed for pedestal mount installation, the Side-by-Side also has available options for wall mounting. Multiple configurations allow it to serve a wide range of applications without requiring costly workarounds or third-party components.
For contractors, the Meter-Rite Side-by-Side reduces installation time, simplifies component sourcing, and leads to a cleaner, more professional finish. Instead of mounting two or three boxes and tying them together with custom conduit and fittings, the job can often be completed in a single trip with a single unit. That’s less time on-site and less chance of callbacks.
For utilities and power companies, the simplified layout makes inspections quicker and maintenance easier. There’s no guessing where wires go, no hidden connections, and no room for improvisation. The result is safer and more predictable service interactions.
For end users; homeowners, business owners, and facility managers; the benefits are just as clear. A compact, reliable, and NEMA 3R weather-resistant system offers peace of mind when the power goes out. And because RONK products are built to last, the Side-by-Side is a long-term investment in power reliability.
Everything about the Meter-Rite Side-by-Side reflects RONK’s focus on practical, field-ready electrical solutions. It’s not a “new spin” for the sake of marketing, it’s a true problem-solver developed for the people who install and use this equipment every day.
This product complements the rest of RONK’s meter socket and transfer switch lineup by offering an alternative for those who want:
If you’ve used RONK’s traditional Meter-Rite transfer switches in the past, the Side-by-Side brings that same trusted reliability, with even more efficiency baked into the design.
Whether you're designing a generator-ready home, upgrading a rural service, or streamlining power infrastructure for a light commercial property, the Meter-Rite Side-by-Side is the smart solution.
The next time you’re looking for a dependable transfer switch that integrates seamlessly with a meter socket, think RONK. The Meter-Rite Side-by-Side isn’t just a new product, it’s a better way to deliver power.
