PT Secondary Wiring- Too connect or disconnect?

[Intergalactic Tourister]

I'm wondering what you think. I have a power xformer that has 2 separate secondaries for 6.3v. One is lighting the tubes and pilot light. The other is unused... but used to be powering a separate preamp but is no longer connected.

Here is the question: What would be best for the PT?

1) To tape off the unused secondary?
2) To connect the unused secondary to itself so current still flows through it?

It would seem one way would be better (or more optimal) than the other.

Thanks

[J M Fahey]

Option 1 makes sense.
Option 2 does not.

[Intergalactic Tourister]

Option 1 makes sense.
Option 2 does not.

Thanks.

That is what I was thinking but... I was also thinking along the lines of an output xformer and how they like to see a load (a speaker). It just seems like a power xformer would be similar in that respect.

[J M Fahey]

Well, that's the problem with analogies, they help to understand a problem .... up to a point ... but can also lead you in a wrong way, as soon as you change parameters a little.
In the case of the output transformers, the problem is that it's driven by a high voltage high impedance source, which has problems with the transformer's inductance.
It's also driven by wideband audio frequencies, and if the power amp is overdriven, these become "chopped pulses", great to cause even higher voltage spikes, unless the load absorbs them.
Power transformers are driven from a very low impedance source (the public power net) and by gentle 50 or 60Hz sinewaves.

[Intergalactic Tourister]

Thank you for that explanation.

[loudthud]

Tape is not a good choice. Heat and time can combine to make tape become un-sticky. Heat Shrink tubing has a much longer life span.

[Ronsonic]

Absolutely awesome and near perfect way to tie off unused secondaries is to use a terminal strip and connect the unused wires there. Best practice and useful for high voltage stuff.

Good practice is to fold the unused wire back on itself, about the last half inch, reclip the end so no wire is extruding and slip a bit of heat shrink tubing over it and shrink it into place. then bundle it so it's clear and out of the way.

[Intergalactic Tourister]

Loudthud:
I said "taped off" just for practical purposes and ease of discussion.

But the secondary is solder to a terminal strip. From there it went to a molex type connector which then powered a something or other.

Of course, thanks for noticing that.

[Chuck H]

I like to wire unused secondaries to external contact points and label "place tongue here"

[Enzo]

I'm with Ronsonic and others here, I always try to wire unused transformer leads to a terminal strip.

Heatshrink is the second option.