Where’s my Model Number?

All appliances sold in Australia have a compliance plate. It is a legal requirement. A compliance plate is a small metal tag which states the model of the machine, and usually the power ratings and any design standards to which it complies.

The problem is that, to stop the plate from being removed, damaged, in the way or burnt or whatever, some manufacturers do a pretty good job of hiding the compliance plates. But we have to find them, so here’s a few places to start looking.

The golden rule to remember is that the shortened model on the front of the appliance is rarely enough. For example, a Westinghouse 600 stove could be one of hundreds of models. (Hoover washers are an exception). In the interest if getting your the correct part, the full model number is always recommended and almost always required.

Rangehoods

Remove the filter and look on the inside of the rangehood, it is usually printed there. Because it is on the inside of the rangehood, this model is one of the most common ones to miss – but it is actually quite easy to find when you know where to look.

Fridges

Tucked in and around the inner door frame. Some models have the model sticker on the bottom outer frame, while some have it inside the fridge on the left hand wall. You may need to remove shelves or groceries from the fridge to see the sticker. Sometimes you may need to remove the kick plate to see the model number.

In general, these are often the most confusing. The compliance plate is nearly always on the front, and not the back. For example, some very early Frigidaire by general motors fridges had the model stamped on the back, but generally forget looking there. The one you want is on the front. To make matters more confusing there is sometimes a different model number on the back, but it it the model of the compressor (or the motor) and not that of the fridge.

Don’t give up! The model is almost always there somewhere.

Ovens and Stoves

Tucked in and around the inner door frame, for either the oven or grill door (If you have one). In other words, usually the model will be around the opening of the oven door or inside the griller compartment.

Cooktops

This one can be a pain, as it is located on the underside of the cooktop. If you have nothing underneath you can lean under the bench and have a look. Another potential idea is to lift the cooktop up and check where the power comes in. There is often a tag attached to the body of the stove near the terminal box, or on it.

Washing machines and dryers

In or around the inside door frame, near the opening of the door. Sometimes it is on the back. Some even have it on the door hinge – which can be a problem, as the door hinge is a replaceable item, so if you ever had to replace the hinge, your model would be gone forever. If you do have one of these, write the model on the back of your machine in permanent ink!

Microwaves

Usually on the back or sides of the machine. Sometimes it can be around the opening of the door.

Dishwashers

In or around the inner door frame, and sometimes on the inside wall of the door. Nearly all dishwashers have the model number around the opening of the door. You shouldn’t have to pull it out from under the bench.

Air Conditioning

On the sides or rear of the unit. Be careful, as sometimes the indoor and outdoor units will have different model numbers. On rare occasions the model may be printed on an internal area, but these are usually quite easy to find.

Vacuums

On the underside on the vacuum, or sometimes on one of the inner surfaces accessible by removing a canister or bag.

If you cannot find the model number

While we always recommend getting the model number, we understand there are sometimes situations where it is not there. Model numbers are almost always on the machine, so make sure you have a really thorough look! To identify a part without a model please email us the following:

  • A photo of the part
  • A profile picture of the machine, from 1-2 metres back
  • Any further numbers, details or measurements that might help.

With this method we can usually identify a part within a day or so. It is a lot quicker and more certain with the model number – so always use that if at all possible!

Many times we can identify a part if you bring it in, but it can be quite difficult given the massive quantity of spare parts out there. If you would like to do this please call us beforehand to see if it is worth the trip, or if an email would be more appropriate.