The fewest number of heaters required in a starter is ___.

In the context of electrical heating systems, the number of heaters required in a starter can depend on various factors such as the specific application, desired output, and design considerations. However, in certain setups, especially those involving control systems for multiple circuits or load sharing among heaters, it may be necessary to have more than one heater to ensure consistent performance and redundancy.

Having three heaters, for example, can provide advantages such as balanced load distribution, improved efficiency, and continued operation in case one of the heaters fails. This is particularly relevant in industrial applications where downtime needs to be minimized.

On the other hand, having fewer heaters may compromise these benefits, as one or two heaters could lead to uneven heating and increased stress on the remaining units. Therefore, in many scenarios, having three heaters in a starter is a practical choice to ensure reliability and maintain optimal operating conditions. This also allows for the potential to run the system at lower loads, which can contribute to extended heater life and better energy efficiency.