Surge Suppressor and More On Mardi Gras

Summerdale, AL.

64 deg. cloudy, rain.

Forecast = Overcast with thunderstorms and rain showers. High of 75F. Winds from the SSW at 5-15 mph. Chance of rain 70% with rainfall amounts near 0.4 in. possible.

Linda put a load of laundry in my washer/dryer as soon as she got up yesterday morning. Then, after eating breakfast, she and Jim took CLT and headed for the Camping World store in Robertsdale, (which is the next town North of here on Rt 59).

Now, those of you that have been following this blog are probably saying, "I know why they're going to Camping World. They are going to buy those chairs that Jim has been wanting" 

Not!!!!!   The reason that they went was to look for a new surge suppressor to protect my electrical system when I'm plugged into the campground's power pedestal.

You see, lately, the surge suppressor that Jim bought for Myrddin way back in 2001 or 2002, has been giving him some trouble. Awhile back, when he went to use it, it made a chattering noise when he plugged it into the outlet on the post. The next time he tried it, it worked fine and in fact worked well for about another month. Then, at another CG, it acted like it didn't want to energize, (after it's normal delay), but finally did. When we got here to the Plantation, he plugged it in and after it's delay cycle, it just sat there and hummed and wouldn't energize to let the power flow into my system.

So  . . . . . .he and Linda talked about it, and decided that it was time for a replacement.

Now, these things are not cheap!! The one that Jim bought for me at Camping world was right at $400, so the lawn chair purchase had to wait!!!! : (

Why do I need a surge suppressor? Well, normally a surge suppressor is not needed, but if you don't have one and you get a surge of electricity, (from lightning or a outlet that is mis-wired or goes bad), it can fry anything electric in an RV, especially printed circuit boards.

In fact, I've learned that's exactly what happened to Myrddin shortly after Jim and Linda bought him, when an electrical outlet at a CG shorted out and zapped him with 240 volts!!! He had a lot of damage and it even burned up some of the circuit breakers and wires in his 120 volt electrical box!!

So, now I have a new surge suppressor with high and low voltage protection, and I don't have to worry about being zapped. : )

After they got back and Jim had me plugged in, using the new suppressor, he took a few photos of me in my site here at the Plantation, and one of the suppressor.

Isn't it cute?? It has a digital read-out and everything!!!!

I'm learning more and more about this Mardi Gras thing. Jim and Linda have a brochure from the park and it looks like there is going to be a lot going on from this Friday, all the way to next Tuesday. There are going to be a couple of breakfasts, a lunch, an ice cream social and a couple of dinners during that time. There will also be a selection of a King and Queen, a parade, costume judging, and parties at the clubhouse. 

Sounds like it should be an interesting and fun time!! ; )

Did you know that Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday"?

Some say the term alludes to the over-indulgences of the day. Others explain that the word "fat" refers to a fattened ox that was paraded through town before being sacrificed at a mid-winter, pagan fertility celebration.