Yep, another pot question

[dano12]

Sorry, searched for this one but couldn't find it.

Why do most schematics show pots that function as variable resistors show the unused leg connected to the wiper? Convention, or does it actually do something?

I'm guessing there is a simple explanation that has so far eluded me...

[rockhorst]

Errrr, maybe I'm misjudging your question, but if this is what you mean, then it seems pretty obvious once you draw it:

[jeroen_verbeeck]

That's a good question.

I think this is just the easiest to draw it. You can draw a straight line and put a variable resistor in the middle of it and still have a straight line.
If you don't make the connestion, you're gonne have a 90° turn in your schematic.

Either way, connected or not, it'll work the same way.

[Seljer]

My theory is that if the pot is to somehow malfunction (the middle wiper doesn't touch the carbon strip part anymore, it's happened to me multiple times with new pots) that theres still a resistance over the 2 points it it is connected so things still work...to an extent

[dano12]

Here's the question re-stated as a picture:



What's the difference as far the two gray connection points are concerned?

I found one site that concurs with Seljer's post--connecting the unsed leg to the wiper prevents the pot from going "full open" in case of an internal wiper failure.