pot question

[electronist]

when using a potentiometer why is it recemmended to short one of the end terminals with the center terminals when it can be left alone. ( I want to make use of only two terminals of the pot)

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

when using a potentiometer why is it recemmended to short one of the end terminals with the center terminals when it can be left alone. ( I want to make use of only two terminals of the pot)

So that if the wiper goes open circuit the resistance doesn't go open circuit as well, it just goes to maximum resistance instead.