Unused transformer taps?

[Koolaide]

Good afternoon all. I searched both TAG forum and google and didn't find any real information. I am wondering what to do with the unused power transformer secondary taps. I know I could cut them off and shrink wrap. How long should I leave them? Is there a better way to handle? other than the unsightly mess is there a downside to leaving them long and coiling, bundling.... ends wrapped of course.

Thanks for all replies.
Peace,
Jim

[xtian]

There is no downside to leaving unused leads coiled and safely stored; this preserves your options for the future. OTOH, short leads can always be lengthened, as long as you have something to solder to.

[dorrisant]

I like to heat shrink them and leave them inside the bell, by either stuffing them back through the holes or just taking the bells off and coiling them neatly. Full length leads are there if you ever need them. A lot of times, I'm twisting the ac pairs anyway, so I'll leave the lead about as long as the associated leads, heat shrink it individually then heat shrink that to the associated leads, all still nicely twisted together. That way you can cut the heat shrink and use it if needed and it stays with the circuit it goes with.

[didit]

I like to heat shrink them and leave them inside the bell, by either stuffing them back through the holes or just taking the bells off and coiling them neatly. Full length leads are there if you ever need them. A lot of times, I'm twisting the ac pairs anyway, so I'll leave the lead about as long as the associated leads, heat shrink it individually then heat shrink that to the associated leads, all still nicely twisted together. That way you can cut the heat shrink and use it if needed and it stays with the circuit it goes with.

Precisely.

[Phil_S]

I don't seem to be able to bring myself the snip the leads, even though it is doubtful the tx will ever be repurposed. I keep thinking someone will get it when I'm done with it and might appreciate that I didn't snip.

[norburybrook]

be bold......snip.....




M