Ignoramus5207 wrote:
My thinking is solidifying around deciding to use a whole house
transfer switch such as

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42163

(200 AMP manual whole house transfer switch by Cutler Hammer)

The plan is to install it at the service entrance. I am aware that I
will need to pull a permit and involve my utility to turn off
electricity and to reinstall the seal on the meter. The question is,
if I do it DIY, is it at all possible and how hard it is for an
amateur.

My general skill level is that I was able to, say, build a shed or
install an electrical subpanel in the garage, or repair a diesel
generator. Not great, but I can follow instructions and use tools.

So... What is involved here, how many hours it could take etc.

Thanks

i

A couple of things.
Check and see if your inspecting authority and utility will allow an
unlicensed person to do this job. They may have different rules when
working on the mains.
You will have to break in to the line between your meter and main
breaker distribution panel. Do you have the tools needed to work any
conduit that may be there.
Most important, your power will be off till you finish the job if you
run into a snag "ouch". Check and see if the utility will connect you
back up before you are inspected, if not it could be a cold and
depending on your wife dangerous night. Though you could use the genset
to power up.
Get an estimate from a few contractors on a labor only job, might
surprise you. It can be tough to find one who is willing to give up the
markup on the transfer switch but if you can it may save you some headaches.
Good luck, Dave