Possible damage to water heater if bypassed while on?

Jim-Linda wrote:


I have replaced 4-5 t/stats over the years on SUBURBAN HEATERS and have yet to see a fuse/fusible link or other device as you claim. May be getting blind, but after replacing the stat, the element came back to life.

perhaps my description was inaccurate when i called it a "fuse" but as you can see in this
picture / link - the thermostat /high limit switch has a wire (fuseable link?) that will melt & create an open circuit which will prevent current from reaching the heating element.