It sounds like the element is bad, you should read something across the terminals. Make sure the heater is full of water before energizing it.
If you can, unhook the 120 volt wires, then cap them, turn on the breaker. If the breaker doesn't trip the problem is in the heater. I suspect when you replace the defective parts all will be well.
Again, once all the parts are replaced make sure the tank is full of water before turning it on.
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Tim
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