I Am Woman Hear Me Roar (yep another one)

Please note: my technical vocabulary is lacking.

To read I am Woman Hear Me Roar 1 here and number 2 is here .

After moving into our 1952 cottage I have discovered an issue...I only have three outlets with a ground hole thingy. So of course the computer is using one, the refrigerator the other and the main TV and DVR box the third. Alright, I am thinking great I have it all under control. Well that was my thought till I tried to plug the dryer in.

My dryer plug has 4 prongs, yep counted them over and over, 4! And seeing how the higher powers that be love to throw a curve ball at me, the box that said 4 prong plug must fit into only had 3! Again I counted them several times as I scratched my head. Of course the words escaping from my lips are WTF.

My oldest son with best intentions suggest that I call his father, because his father will know what to do or will have a friend that can fix it. I inform him that I am well aware that his father, my ex, is the handy man of all handy men...but I'll be damned if I will call him or one of his friends. I am 5 years post marriage, not going to happen lol. I will figure it out...I have a few smarts left in the old brain.

The next day cable guy is here setting up the TV's...so of course I question him about my dilemma. I ask as he is laid out on the living room floor connecting stuff..."Question, I have a 4 prong plug on my dryer but the thing I plug it into only has 3 holes. Could I not find some kind of adapter at one of the mega hardware stores?" He chuckled under his breath..."Nope the whole plug will have to be replaced but you can get a replacement cord at the hardware store."

Okay! I have to replace the whole cord! I will admit, fear crept in. I mean we are talking about electricity here. What if I do it wrong...this is a 1952 cottage...there are no sprinkler systems in this house and I am pretty sure a fire would consume the 900 square feet in record time. Alright, deep breathing....you can do this...get back to your center :).

So off to the mega hardware store with Little Big Man H in tow.

Now which direction do I go...toward the dryers or to the electrical department? Luck was on my side I chose the electrical aisle. I will admit that I stood in that aisle for 20 minuets debating my choices as Little Big Man H played with a huge drill bit thing commenting on the damage it could do (boys, just so different).

Once we got home with the new plug it was off to remove the old one. I paid close attention to what I was removing to be sure I placed it back in the correct spot. I was working off of fear and determination.

So now on to attaching the new plug right? WRONG!

The old plug was color coordinated the one I purchased was dressed completely in grey! WTH!

What to do? As I am sitting on the floor of the little room off the back porch (yea..washer and dryer not actually in the house) with the cobwebs I remember that Google is my friend.

I was right Google is my friend and now Bob Vila is too.

Good old Bob informed me that the middle wire is the ground wire and the others just attach to the side connections...Cool...I can do that!

Alright Done...the new 3 prong plug is attached. The moment of truth has arrived. Will I hear the beautiful humming of the dryer or the screams of terror from myself and Little Big Man H.

As we hold our breath, I nervously plug in the new dryer cord.

HUMMING oh what a beautiful sound!

I did it...I know most would think how simple but for me it was a big accomplishment!

I removed one of these:

And replaced it.

I am Woman hear me roar!