How can I recognize the thermostat? I have bradford white electric water heater model MI50L6DS13... the circuit breaker trip all the time.

I would start by testing elements. Or if you don't feel comfortable testing, shut power off to water heater, drain water heater and replace both elements. They are cheap and easy to replace. Good place to start.

Hi all:

Here are two pictures of the thermostats and the elements.. see picture.

These are found under the ACCESS PANELS on the front of the water heater.

In the first picture, pay attention to the picture of the double elements... mosty likely like yours.

The second pic. Shows the UPPER ELEMENT (circled in yellow) and the UPPER THERMOSTAT.

Tell me, are you sure it is the CIRCUIT BREAKER tripping here? If so, most likely you have electrical short , perhaps in the junction box on top of the heater... or back at the circuit breaker itself... see picture #3..?

Any chance it is the RESET BUTTON tripping at the TOP thermostat (has red reset button... need to ask to be sure... ;))

Do you own an electrical tester? Get back to us...

MARK