Left empty H2O Heater on while empty

[rowekmr]

As the title says I dewinterized the TT and forgot (rushed) left the hot water heater on thinking it will take time to warm the water. Water still wasn't hot after 30 min so left it on gas mode then wasn't able to get back for a few days.

I figured I still had the bypass on when it was still cold so I turned the heater off and waited awhile to fill it with water but didn't turn it back on yet. Do you think I cause any damage? It was one electric heat for awhile then gas heat for a few days. Do they have safety cut off just for this reason?

[Dobbs]

My guess, from what I've read here and elsewhere, you most certainly fried the electric side. Not sure what the gas side does when heating an empty tank for any length of time. I think we shall both hear about the damage done as others chime in. Looks like you'll be pouring stove heated water over the DW this weekend.