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An automatic transfer switch with service disconnect energizes your entire electrical panel. They're ideal for larger generators like those that power homes with 200-amp service.
Your electrician will install it between your meter and electrical panel.
If your home only has a 100-amp inbound service, you may be better off going with a load center. This gets connected to the 8-16 mission critical circuits. The downfall here is that it can't be used with more than 15 circuits. If you wish to power more than 16 circuits, you'll have to go with a service disconnect.