When using a potentiometer as a variable resistor (i.e., using the wiper and only one other terminal), is it proper to tie the unused terminal back to the wiper? Does it matter? Why?

Thanks.

 

You don't have to do this, but wipers sometimes don't make contact. Tying the unused side down offers some failure protection if this happens.

 

You don't have to do this, but wipers sometimes don't make contact. Tying the unused side down offers some failure protection if this happens.

That makes sense. Thanks.

 

Tieing one end to the wiper also helps distribute the current across the entire POT element. It's not perfect, but it will give you slightly higher power handling than otherwise.