Gino: No. The thermostat senses the water temperature, not the element
temperature. So, no water at the upper levl, no cooling of the element. I'd
bet it overheats and melts down in just a few seconds if no water. Next time
run the hot water till all air is out before applying power to the tank.

Dave


"GINO" wrote in message
.. .
I replaced a top element on an electric water heater ( double element) at
the cottage. We use lake water that is pumped up to a holding barrel above
the heater then feeds the heater. After replacing the element it took quite
a long time ti get water to run through the system to the tap, air pockets
I guess. The new element burned after a short while , it may have been due
to the air pockets and not much water in the top part of the tank.

Question: this heater has a thermostat for top and bottom element, should
it not turn off the element if it gets to hot , either if water is present
or not?