Dropping zener acting funny

[passfan]

I'm using a 350-0-350 with a 50 volt zener on the centertap to ground (anode to bolt). When I power up I'm seeing 500 volts. I haven't gotten to flipping on the standby yet. Is this normal and will it drop when I come out of standby?I have a heater winding issue still to fix so I'm down for tonight on this. I'm not sure I've done it right

[Structo]

I'm pretty sure when I installed the one I used it had the cathode to the bolt.
Why would you want the anode to the chassis?

[passfan]

I'm pretty sure when I installed the one I used it had the cathode to the bolt.
Why would you want the anode to the chassis?

This thread

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... ight=zener

[guitardude57]

What amp is this?

Express?

The voltage should drop a bit with tubes fully on (not standby)

See what you have, just watch for ugly red tubes. Check your Rail voltages.
Tell us what you have on all B+ voltages.

Make sure you have a load on the output, speakers or dummy.

I would just buy/swap your tranny for what you want voltagewise, and/or adjust the B+ rails more to your desired voltages. Use that PT for another amp. I'm sure you will build more amps anyway...................

The Zener thing lives to waste energy, change the feel of the amp.........and another thing to give problems. The amp gets hot enough without an additional toaster working in there. IMO.

I have an Express type Circuit with 467V on the plates (6L6) and easily adjusted the B+ to get my desired voltages on the rest of the rails.