Quick Verdict
When your main 13.8 VDC power supply drops out, you don't want to manually re-cable your radio or repeater to a backup battery. Both of these PWRgate automatic transfer switches handle that switchover for you. One is a lower-current, repeater-focused unit; the other is a higher-current version with Anderson PowerPoles on its connections. The real difference lies in how much current your gear draws and how you prefer to wire the battery and supply connections.
Listed Price and Capacity at a Glance
The two listed prices are separated by just 5 cents, so the table below focuses on capacity and connection style.
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Current Limit | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30A Repeater PWRgate | USD 44.95 | 30A | Repeater-focused automatic backup | |
| 45A PowerPole PWRgate | USD 45.00 | 45A | Anderson PowerPoles on main, aux, and output |
Where Each Product Stands Out
You'll prefer the lower-current Repeater PWRgate if...
You run a repeater or single 13.8 VDC load and want a straightforward automatic switch from your main supply to a backup battery. This switch is built for that single-supply-to-battery path, not for switching between two batteries. It automatically connects the battery when the main supply fails, which is exactly the scenario repeater operators need covered. If your total draw stays within its current limit, it's the simpler match.
You'll prefer the higher-current PowerPole PWRgate if...
You have radios, accessories, LED lighting, or other loads sharing the backup circuit. Anderson PowerPoles on the main input, auxiliary input, and output make it easy to plug into a PowerPole-based distribution setup, and the extra current headroom gives you room to add loads later. The higher rating also means you can run a broader mix of devices without worrying about tripping the switch's limit.
Product Notes
Backup power transfer switch Repeater Battery Backup DC Switching System PWRgate
This Radiodan unit is a focused repeater backup switch. It automatically shifts a 13.8 VDC load from the normal power supply to the battery when the main supply fails, and it is not intended for switching between two 12 VDC batteries. That makes it a clean fit for a single backup supply path: one primary supply, one battery, and a load that needs uninterrupted power. The limitation is the lower current ceiling-if your repeater or load draws more than that ceiling, you'll need to move up to a higher-capacity switch. For a modest 13.8 VDC setup, though, it's a direct and simple match.
Backup power transfer switch, 45A Battery Backup DC Switching System PWRgate
The CrazyHamSales version is the higher-current PWRgate with more connector convenience. All three connections-main input, auxiliary input, and output-use Anderson PowerPoles, which makes it a natural fit for an existing PowerPole power distribution system. It is designed to feed radios, accessories, LED lighting, and similar 13.8 VDC loads. The higher current rating is the main reason to choose it over the repeater-oriented model, and the PowerPoles eliminate the need to crimp your own connectors if you're already in that ecosystem. The limitation is that the extra capacity only pays off if your load actually approaches the higher rating; if you stay well below it, you won't see a day-to-day difference from the added headroom.
Final Choice by Use Case
- Repeater or single 13.8 VDC load within the lower rating: Choose the Backup power transfer switch Repeater Battery Backup DC Switching System PWRgate at USD 44.95. It's the focused, lower-priced option for a simple backup path.
- Multi-device setup or need for PowerPole integration: Choose the Backup power transfer switch, 45A Battery Backup DC Switching System PWRgate at USD 45.00. The higher current rating and PowerPole connections give you more flexibility.
