Before you can ask about a part, buy one, or compare it against your requirement, you need to know exactly what it is. That sounds obvious, but electrical components from brands like ABB, Siemens, MK, Legrand and Schneider often look alike across a whole product range. The label is what tells them apart.
Here's how to read one properly.
Most electrical components carry a label somewhere on the body of the unit, often on the front face, side panel, or base. On some products it's a printed sticker, on others it's stamped or moulded directly into the housing. If the part has been removed from a panel or enclosure, check all visible surfaces, since the label isn't always where you'd expect.
This is usually the most visible item on the label, printed as a logo or brand name. It's your starting point, but it's not enough on its own. Two products from the same manufacturer can be completely different components.
Many manufacturers group products into a family or series name, shown either near the manufacturer name or as part of the model number itself. This narrows things down but still isn't the exact identifier you need.
The model number is usually the most important piece of information on the label. It identifies the specific product within its family or series. Write this down exactly as printed, including any letters, dashes or spacing, since small differences in formatting can point to a different variant.
Some products list a separate part number alongside the model number. Where both appear, treat them as two different reference points and record both. Depending on the manufacturer, one may be more useful than the other when searching for a datasheet or contacting a supplier.
A short code at the end of a model number, sometimes just one or two characters, can indicate a different voltage rating, mounting type, or configuration. Don't ignore these. Two components with model numbers that look almost identical can be genuinely different products because of a suffix.
Most labels also show key ratings such as voltage or current, sometimes alongside other technical values relevant to that product type. Record these exactly as shown, since they help confirm you've identified the correct variant, not just the right family of product.
These are often confused, but they serve different purposes. The model number identifies the product type or variant, the same across every unit of that exact product. The serial number is unique to that individual item, used mainly for tracking or warranty purposes. When identifying a product, the model number is what matters.
Beyond the model number, labels often include additional markings such as certification marks, country of manufacture, or manufacturing date codes. These don't usually affect identification directly, but they can help confirm you're looking at a genuine label rather than a reprinted or damaged one.
Once you have the manufacturer, model number, and any suffix from the label, compare all of it against a product listing, not just the model number in isolation. A listing might show the correct base model but a different suffix, which can mean a different rating or configuration than what you actually have.
The exact model number, including any suffix, is usually what you'll need to search for the correct datasheet on the manufacturer's website. Searching with only the product family name tends to return multiple variants, which won't confirm anything on its own.
Labels on surplus stock aren't always in perfect condition. If part of the label is missing or illegible, don't guess the rest. Record what is legible, note what's missing, and treat the identification as incomplete until it can be confirmed another way, such as by asking the supplier.
Manufacturers frequently update a product line without changing its outward appearance. Housing shape, colour and general layout can stay the same across several model numbers, while the internal rating or configuration changes. This is exactly why relying on appearance alone leads to identification mistakes.
Before enquiring about a component, check that you have:
Manufacturer name
Product family or series
Exact model number, as printed
Part number, if shown separately
Any suffix or code
Ratings shown on the label
Confirmation the label is legible and complete
Labels and markings vary between manufacturers and product types, so treat this as a general guide rather than a fixed format.
Taking a few minutes to read the label properly means you're enquiring about the right product from the start, not a close guess.
If you're trying to identify an electrical component or want help matching it to suitable surplus stock, contact WeSellDeadLots with the details from the label and we'll help you from there.
Q: Where do I usually find the model number on an electrical component?
A: It's typically printed or stamped on the product label, on the front face, side, or base of the unit, alongside the manufacturer name.
Q: What's the difference between a model number and a serial number?
A: The model number identifies the product type or variant and is shared across every unit of that exact product. The serial number is unique to one individual item.
Q: What should I do if the product label is damaged or hard to read?
A: Record whatever is legible, note what's missing, and avoid guessing the rest. Confirm the remaining details with the supplier before relying on the identification.