Does a forward/reverse starter require one or two overload relay assemblies?

A forward/reverse starter typically requires one overload relay assembly because it is designed to provide protection for the motor in both the forward and reverse directions of operation. The overload relay is responsible for monitoring the current flowing through the motor and will trip if the current exceeds a set limit, indicating a potential overload condition.

In a forward/reverse starter, the same relay assembly can effectively protect the motor regardless of its direction of rotation. This is due to the design of the starter, which ensures that the overload relay connects in a way that it can sense overload conditions regardless of whether the motor is running in reverse or forward.

Using two separate overload relay assemblies would be unnecessary and inefficient, as one properly rated overload relay is sufficient to monitor the motor's health under varying load conditions in both directions. Thus, the correct answer is that only one overload relay assembly is required for a forward/reverse starter setup.