LG washing machine markings and decoding

The markings for specific LG washing machine models, understandable to specialists, confuse many users. It's no wonder that some users scour the internet for information on how to decipher LG washing machine markings. We decided to save people the trouble of reading manuals and poring over forums by compiling all the necessary information in one article. Here's the result.

Cars made in the post-Soviet space

There are factories in the CIS that manufacture LG washing machines. In particular, there is a very large plant in the Moscow region. If you are interested in information about Where are LG washing machines assembled?You can read about this in the article of the same name, but we'll talk about the specifics of labeling equipment made in Russia and other countries.

The marking code and other information about the model of a specific LG washing machine can be found on its body.

The marking designation of the same LG washing machine model varies and depends on the country of manufacture, although from a technical point of view, the washing machines may be completely identical. It is precisely the complete technical identity that prevents us from immediately determining the country of origin of a specific washing machine, but this can be done by correctly decoding its marking code. That's what we'll do. The image below shows a schematic diagram of LG washing machines, or more precisely, one of their advanced models.

This marking code belongs to a washing machine assembled in the CIS countries in 2015. The diagram above already makes it clear what each letter and number mean, but we'll still take the liberty of providing a more or less detailed explanation.

• The first two letters of the marking identify the brand of the washing machine. This is generally unnecessary. It's clear that we're talking about a specific LG washing machine model.
• The next letter indicates the washing machine's loading type. In our example, it's F for front loading, but it could also be M or E.

Please note! The most popular and sought-after washing machines in the world are front-loading, meaning the door is located on the front wall of the machine. Slightly less popular are top-loading washing machines, which have the door on the top cover.

• Next come two numbers indicating the maximum possible drum rotation speed during spinning. In our case, it's 1200 rpm, but some LG washing machines can spin at speeds of up to 1600 and even 1800 rpm. The higher the spin speed, the drier the laundry will be, but not all fabrics can be spun at high speed.
• After the spin speed numbers, there are two digits identifying the model's design. In our example, it's "96," but other digits may be present if the washing machine has a unique front panel design, display, door shape, and so on.
• Next come four letters. The first letter determines the depth of the specific LG washing machine model. In our case, it's a standard-depth (W) machine, but there are slimline (L) and super slimline (S) models.
• The second letter in all modern LG machine models is basically the same “D”, it stands for Direct Drive, which indicates that the washing machine uses direct drive technology.
• The third and fourth letters of the marking indicate the special functions used in a given model. In our example, these are S (steam) and H (drying).

European-made cars

The principles for deciphering the markings on LG washing machines from Europe are almost identical, but there are still some unique features. Let's outline these features and provide a diagram with the corresponding figure.

As can be seen in the image above, the markings on European LG washing machines differ from those produced in Russia, due to differences in regulatory frameworks. The beginning of the marking code on European washing machines is exactly the same:

• the first two letters are the brand;
• the third letter is the loading type;
• The next two numbers are the spin speed.

The sixth character is where the special features begin. The sixth letter and seventh digit identify the control features of this washing machine. Two options are possible: a touchscreen and buttons, a programmer, or even both. The eighth, ninth, and tenth characters identify the features available for this LG washing machine model. The last digit helps determine the model's color.

The marking code for LG washing machines produced in Russia lacks a color symbol. Experts believe this omission would be a good idea to address.

Made in the United States

The marking features of LG washing machines produced for the domestic market of the United States of America are dictated by the specific demand prevailing in this market.

Firstly, in the US, washing machines with a huge load capacity are in demand, since the majority of the population lives in private houses. Secondly, the US is accustomed to top-loading washing machines, meaning demand for them is higher than elsewhere. Thirdly, the purchasing power of the US population is, on average, higher than elsewhere, meaning the percentage of sales of high-tech and expensive washing machine models, which are not even produced in Western Europe and the CIS, is also higher, and this is also reflected in the labeling.

In the above example, it's clear that the code for LG washing machines from the US differs significantly from similar markings on washing machines made in other countries. The first letter indicates that this is a marking for a washing machine, not a microwave or coffee maker. Apparently, local lawmakers mandated that manufacturers include this code symbol on appliance markings, specifically for consumers with low intelligence, who may not be able to distinguish one type of household appliance from another.

The second letter of the code identifies the washing machine type. According to the American classification, there are three types of LG washing machines:

1. front loading;
2. with vertical (top) loading;
3. designed to be built into a pedestal.

The last type is a small washing machine that fits into a special pedestal beneath the main washing machine. These machines are new to the post-Soviet space, but in the US, they've become commonplace. This mini machine is needed for washing a small number of small items (underwear, socks, handkerchiefs). You can read more about mini cars for pedestals in the article Sock washing machine, in it you will find a lot of interesting information about unusual washing machines.

The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth digits of the American code identify the washing machine's series and control type. The seventh digit indicates the presence of a special function—steam treatment. The eighth digit indicates the color and exterior design of the LG washing machine, including any graphics on the front panel. Finally, the ninth digit indicates whether the model has a pedestal that can accommodate a mini washing machine with a small drum.

In conclusion, knowing how to decipher the marking codes on LG washing machines will allow you to easily identify the origin of your washing machine, even if you purchased a used model and aren't its first owner. We hope this information is helpful. Good luck!

   

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