Using a twin secondary in place of centre tapped transformer

Question

The project I am working on specifies a 12v 0 12v centre tapped transformer. I have a 12v twin secondary left over from a previous project. My plan is to wire the two secondaries in series in order to form a centre tap, as per this thread:

A question about using a dual secondary transformer as a center tapped transformer

My question is, I think this will double the voltage to 24v - is that correct? The project specifies 12v, so would I be better using a 6v twin secondary transformer with the secondaries wired in series?

I am a wee bit confused since a similar question was asked here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/replacing-centre-tap-transformer-with-standard-transformer/msg21738/#msg21738

The advice given was, "If you can't find a 12V centre tapped transformer, use a 12V transformer with twin secondaries and connect them in series"

I would be very grateful if someone could clarify.

Many thanks

Answer 1

The project I am working on specifies a 12v 0 12v centre tapped transformer.

So most likely your project will use it to make split supplies (positive and negative) like this:

Your twin secondary transformer can perform the same role, simply connect the secondaries in series, and their connection becomes the center tap. Make sure you connect them the right way around!

Center tapped would be 12-0-12 and yours would be 12-0 and 0-12 !

Twin secondaries are more flexible because you can also put them in parallel to double the current, if you only need one 12V winding.