diff --git a/esphome/components/mcp4461/output/__init__.py b/esphome/components/mcp4461/output/__init__.py
index 02bdbefed5..0d145d81d3 100644
--- a/esphome/components/mcp4461/output/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/mcp4461/output/__init__.py
@@ -48,11 +48,11 @@ async def to_code(config):
         config[CONF_CHANNEL],
     )
     if not config[CONF_TERMINAL_A]:
-        cg.add(parent.initialize_terminal_disabled(config[CONF_CHANNEL], "a"))
+        cg.add(parent.initialize_terminal_disabled(config[CONF_CHANNEL], ord("a")))
     if not config[CONF_TERMINAL_B]:
-        cg.add(parent.initialize_terminal_disabled(config[CONF_CHANNEL], "b"))
+        cg.add(parent.initialize_terminal_disabled(config[CONF_CHANNEL], ord("b")))
     if not config[CONF_TERMINAL_W]:
-        cg.add(parent.initialize_terminal_disabled(config[CONF_CHANNEL], "w"))
+        cg.add(parent.initialize_terminal_disabled(config[CONF_CHANNEL], ord("w")))
     if CONF_INITIAL_VALUE in config:
         cg.add(
             parent.set_initial_value(config[CONF_CHANNEL], config[CONF_INITIAL_VALUE])
diff --git a/tests/components/mcp4461/common.yaml b/tests/components/mcp4461/common.yaml
index 92fd789dcb..71e2528aa4 100644
--- a/tests/components/mcp4461/common.yaml
+++ b/tests/components/mcp4461/common.yaml
@@ -22,3 +22,11 @@ output:
     id: digipot_wiper_4
     mcp4461_id: mcp4461_digipot_01
     channel: D
+
+  - platform: mcp4461
+    id: digipot_wiper_5
+    mcp4461_id: mcp4461_digipot_01
+    channel: A
+    terminal_a: false
+    terminal_b: false
+    terminal_w: false