Searching for a nameplate or nameplate is often the first and most difficult step when it is necessary to call a technician, order an original spare part, or register equipment in the warranty system. Owners of German equipment Bosch are faced with the fact that the location of this element is not always obvious, since manufacturers often hide it from prying eyes to preserve the aesthetics of the facade. Accurate knowledge of the location serial number and model of the device will save you a lot of time and nerves in a critical situation.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible options for placing identification data on refrigeration equipment of this brand. You'll learn why you can't rely on just one search option and how to read the information correctly so you don't make mistakes when ordering parts. Understanding the design of your unit is the key to its long and trouble-free service.
What is a nameplate and why is it needed?
A nameplate is a special metal or plastic sticker containing unique data about a specific piece of equipment. The entire history of the device is encrypted on it: date of production, country of assembly, type of refrigerant, volume of chambers and, most importantly, full E-Nr (model number). Without this code, it is impossible to select compatible components, since visually identical refrigerators may have different compressors or control systems.
For service engineers, the presence of a readable nameplate is a prerequisite for starting work. By number E-Nr master accesses technical documentation and electrical connection diagrams of your specific modification. The loss of this information turns repairs into a lottery, where the probability of error reaches 90%, which can lead to the failure of expensive electronics.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to rip off or paint over the nameplate yourself. This is grounds for refusal of warranty service, as it makes identification of the device impossible.
In addition, the code on the plate allows you to determine the age of the equipment. Knowing the production date, you can predict the service life of main components, such as a motor-compressor or door seals. If you are buying a used refrigerator, checking the year of manufacture on the nameplate and in the documents is a mandatory step.
Main location: inside the chamber
The most common place where Manufacturers place information stickers on refrigerators Bosch, this is the interior space of the refrigerator compartment. This is done to ensure that the data is always available even when the unit is moved away from the wall. In most modern models, you need to look on the left side wall, approximately at the level of the middle shelf or slightly higher.
Sometimes the sign is hidden behind plastic decorative elements or in a niche where a shelf for bottles is attached. In older models, it could be located on the ceiling of the chamber, under the lampshade. When searching, carefully inspect all vertical surfaces, remembering to look in the corners.
- 🔍 The left side wall of the refrigerator compartment is at eye level.
- 🔍 The right side wall, closer to the doorway.
- 🔍 The upper part of the chamber, directly under the ceiling or lamp.
- 🔍 The inner surface of the door, if it is not covered with plastic containers.
If you find a sticker, but it is difficult to read due to condensation or dirt, gently wipe it with a dry soft cloth. Do not use abrasives or sharp objects to avoid damaging the printed text. The code E-Nr should be read clearly and without distortion.
Alternative places: back wall and base
In cases where the plate could not be found inside the camera, you should proceed to an external inspection of the case. Manufacturers often duplicate information or transfer it to the rear metal wall of the unit. To see the nameplate in this place, the refrigerator will have to be moved away from the wall, which requires caution and, preferably, the help of a second person.
Another popular place is the removable grille at the bottom of the case, behind which the compressor is hidden. Sometimes the sticker is glued directly to this grille or to the metal panel of the plinth. This is convenient for service personnel, as it allows you to read data without opening the door and without disturbing the temperature conditions inside.
When inspecting the rear part, pay attention to the following areas:
- 🛠️ The upper part of the rear wall, closer to the point where the power cable exits.
- 🛠️ The side edges of the rear panel, if the main one part is occupied by the heat exchanger.
- 🛠️ Removable plastic or metal cover at the bottom (compressor compartment).
If the sticker is missing from the outside, but was inside, it may have been accidentally torn off when cleaning or rearranging the furniture.
Specifics of built-in Bosch models
Searching for a nameplate on built-in equipment Bosch has its own nuances, determined by the design of the furniture facade. Since such refrigerators are completely hidden in the niche of the kitchen unit, access to the back wall or side edges is often limited or impossible without dismantling the furniture.
In most built-in models, the manufacturer places an identification sticker on the end of the door. To see it, you need to open the refrigerator door completely. Pay attention to the side end of the door, facing the hinges or, conversely, the handle.
It is also worth checking the space above the doorway. Sometimes, if the niche design allows, the nameplate is glued to the top panel of the case, which can be visible when the door is open. In some series Series 4 or Series 6 the sticker is hidden under the decorative strip of the base at the bottom, which must be carefully removed.
⚠️ Attention: When looking for a nameplate on a built-in model, do not try to dismantle the front panels or hinges yourself if you are not confident in your abilities - this may violate the geometry doors.
If you are planning to purchase a built-in refrigerator, immediately check with the seller for the exact location of the sign. This will help in the future to avoid difficulties with calling a technician who will need data for diagnostics.
How to correctly read the data from the plate
The nameplate contains many numbers and letters that can confuse an unprepared user. The most important element is the code E-Nr (for example, KGN39XI30R/01). It is this set of characters that needs to be reported to the service center. It consists of an alphanumeric combination followed by a modification number separated by a slash.
In addition to the model number, the plate indicates technical parameters critical for diagnostics. For example, the type and amount of refrigerant (freon), compressor power, rated voltage and current. This data is necessary for the technician to understand the causes of the malfunction and select the correct oil or gas.
| Designation | Description | Example value |
|---|---|---|
| E-Nr | Full model number | KGN39XI30R/01 |
| FD | Manufacture date (year and month) | FD 9805 (May 2026) |
| V | Rated voltage | 220-240 V |
| R600a | Refrigerant type | 46 g |
Special attention should be paid to the production date. It is often encoded in the format FD followed by numbers. Understanding how old the equipment is helps assess the wear of the rubber seals and the condition of the compressor. Older models may require replacement of freon with a more environmentally friendly analogue during repairs.
How to decipher the production date?
The first two digits after FD mean the year (subtract 20 from the number if it is more than 20, or count as is for the 90s), the second two - the month. For example, FD 9805 is May 2026 (98-80=18? No, the system is more complicated: for the 2020s we subtract 100 or use special tables, but usually the year is indicated explicitly or encoded by a shift). The easiest way is to find an online Bosch date calculator using the FD code.
What to do if the nameplate is unreadable or lost
The situation when the nameplate is worn out, torn off or damaged by water often occurs, especially in refrigerators with a long service life. In this case, you can find the exact model through the documentation included in the kit: warranty card, user manual or sales receipt. In these documents, the model is often spelled out in full.
If there are no documents, you can try to find the model on the refrigerator box, if you saved it. Also, information about the purchase can be stored by the store where the product was purchased, especially if the purchase was made recently or using a loyalty card.
As a last resort, an experienced technician can identify the model by characteristic features:
- 📋 Appearance and location of the control panel.
- 📋 NoFrost system design and location evaporators.
- 📋 Type and marking of the installed compressor.
- 📋 Overall dimensions and internal layout of shelves.
However, you should not rely on a visual determination, since this is only an approximate estimate. To order spare parts, such as a control board or sensors, the exact modification code is required, since even within the same series, the equipment may change.
☑️ Actions if the nameplate is lost
Frequently asked questions and answers
Is it possible to restore an erased number model?
It is impossible to restore a completely erased number on your own. However, if at least a partial code has been preserved, a specialist can try to break into the database using the remaining characters and year of manufacture. In some cases, searching by VIN code helps if it is duplicated in the electronic log of the service center during previous calls.
Where is the nameplate on Bosch Serie 2 refrigerators?
On models of the series Serie 2 the nameplate is most often located on the inner left wall of the refrigerator compartment, at the level of the second shelf from the bottom. In some modifications, it may be shifted closer to the doorway or located on the inside of the door.
Why do you need a modification number after the slash?
The number after the slash (for example, /01, /02) indicates a specific modification or revision of the model. This is critically important, since different modifications may use different versions of circuit boards, compressors, or even door geometry. Ordering a spare part without taking into account this number often leads to incompatibility.
Is it possible to find a model from a photo of a refrigerator?
It is extremely difficult and often impossible to determine the exact model only from a photo of the appearance. Thousands of models look identical. A photo will only help narrow the search to a series, but to order spare parts you need a digital code from the nameplate.