GE (General Electric) Transformer Serial Number Lookup & Decoder Guide

/ Specifications & Dimensions / By Tan

Written by Tan, Electrical Engineer @ Transformer4U | Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: ~5 minutes

This guide explains how to decode GE (General Electric) transformer serial numbers to determine manufacturing date, year, and equipment specifications.

⚡ Quick Answer: GE Serial Number Format

Format: LY-xxxxxx-R

Year Position: Characters 2 (letter)

Example: RG527327B → February 2005

1. GE Serial Number Format

GE (General Electric) uses the following serial number format for transformers:

Format 2 (1990-Present)

Pattern: LY-xxxxxx-R

Element	Position	Meaning
Year Code	Position 2 (letter)	Manufacturing year (2 digits or letter code)
Month/Week Code	Position 1 (letter)	Manufacturing month or week
Sequential Number	Remaining digits	Unique unit identifier

Notes: L1=Month L2=Year xxxxx=Sequential R=Revision

2. How to Decode Your GE Serial Number

📋 Step-by-Step Decoding

Locate the Nameplate
- Padmount: Inside cabinet door
- Substation: Tank exterior near control cabinet
- Dry-type: Enclosure frame
Find the Serial Number – Look for “S/N”, “Serial No.”, or “Serial Number” field
Identify Year Code – Characters at position 2 (letter)
Decode Manufacturing Date – Use the format table above
Contact GE if Needed – https://www.ge.com/

📐 Decoding Example

Serial Number: RG527327B

Manufacturing Date: February 2005

3. Source Reliability

Source Type: 📚 Historical Records

This format is based on industry interpretations. For authoritative decoding, contact GE directly.

4. Why Serial Numbers Matter

Use Case	Why Serial Number is Critical
Warranty Claims	GE needs serial number to verify purchase date and coverage
Replacement Parts	Serial number links to specific winding configuration and tap settings
Age Assessment	Determines remaining life expectancy (transformer life: 25-40 years)
PCB Testing	Pre-1979 transformers may contain PCBs requiring special handling (EPA regulations)

5. Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How do I decode a GE transformer serial number?

Locate the serial number on the nameplate, then use the format guide on this page to identify the manufacturing date. The year is typically at position 2 (letter). If the format doesn’t match, contact GE directly.

❓ Where is the serial number on a GE transformer?

The serial number is located on the nameplate—typically a metal or durable plastic plate affixed to the transformer. On padmount units, it’s inside the cabinet door. On dry-type units, check the enclosure frame.

❓ Can GE provide manufacturing date from serial number?

Yes, GE maintains production records for decades. Contact their customer support at https://www.ge.com/ with the complete serial number to obtain the exact manufacturing date and specifications.

6. Related Resources

🔍 Complete Serial Number Guide
All manufacturers + decoding methods

📋 Transformer Nameplate Guide
How to read every nameplate detail

📏 Transformer Sizing Chart
Complete kVA selection guide

📝 About This Guide

This GE serial number decoding guide is authored by Tan, Electrical Engineer at Transformer4U.

Serial number formats may vary by product line or manufacturing era. For authoritative decoding, contact GE directly at https://www.ge.com/.

Disclaimer: Serial number formats may vary by product line, manufacturing plant, and era. This guide provides general decoding information. For authoritative manufacturing dates, contact GE directly.

Last Updated: January 2026 | © 2026 Transformer4U. All rights reserved.