News & Insights
How to Read Atlas Copco Part Numbers and Cross-Reference an Old Spare Part
Where to find the Atlas Copco part number, how to handle superseded numbers and group cross-references, and what to send a supplier to get the right spare part the first time.
Ordering the wrong spare part is usually not a pricing problem. It is an identification problem. Most mistakes come from reading the wrong number off the machine, ordering an individual part when a kit is required, or missing that the original number has been superseded.
This guide explains where Atlas Copco part numbers come from, how to read them, and how to cross-reference an old part before you buy.
Where the part number comes from
Atlas Copco spare part numbers are mostly ten digits, and older parts can still carry shorter numbers. The number identifies the part itself, not the machine. That matters because the same compressor model can use different parts depending on serial number range and build year.
There are four reliable places to find the number:
- The label or laser marking on the part you are replacing.
- The parts list for your machine, which is organised by machine type and serial number.
- The original invoice or packing list, if the part was bought before.
- The machine documentation set supplied with the compressor.
If two sources disagree, trust the number on the part itself first, then confirm it against the parts list for your serial number.
Machine model is not enough
A common mistake is to order by model name only. A GA55 built in one year and a GA55 built a few years later can use different sensors, valves, filters and controllers. The serial number is what pins down the correct parts list, which is why every serious supplier asks for it.
When you send an inquiry, include:
- Machine type, for example GA55 or GA75
- Serial number from the nameplate
- The part number you believe you need
- A photo of the old part, including any label and the connector
Cross-referencing an old or superseded number
Atlas Copco updates part numbers over the life of a product. When a part is redesigned, the old number is superseded and the new number replaces it in the parts list. In many cases the old and new part are interchangeable; in some cases the new part needs an additional item such as a seal or adapter.
The practical sequence is:
- Start with the number printed on the old part.
- Ask the supplier to check it against the current parts list for your serial number.
- Confirm whether the number is superseded, and whether the replacement is a direct swap.
- Confirm what is included: part only, or part with seal, cable or fittings.
Several compressor brands in the Atlas Copco group share part numbers across their catalogues, so the same number can appear under more than one brand or description. A sensor may be listed as a press sensor, a pressure sensor or a pressure transducer depending on the catalogue. Searching all three descriptions helps, but the number is what confirms the part.
Kits versus individual parts
Service kits exist because some jobs only work when related items are replaced together. A filter kit may include seals; a valve kit may include springs and O-rings. If the parts list shows a kit for the job you are doing, compare the kit contents with buying the items separately. The kit is usually the safer choice and often cheaper than buying the components one by one.
Variants that catch buyers out
- Left and right hand versions of the same assembly
- Different thread sizes on sensors and fittings
- Different voltage or signal outputs on electrical parts
- Old and new revisions that look identical from the outside
- Parts supplied with or without the connector
These are the cases where a photo of the old part earns its keep. A number alone is not always enough to tell two visually identical variants apart.
How to get a confirmed quote
Send the machine type, serial number, part number, quantity and delivery country. A useful supplier will come back with the confirmed part number, whether it is superseded, what is included in the supply, the price and the lead time. If any of those is missing, ask before you pay.
We supply Atlas Copco compressors and genuine spare parts, including filters, separators, sensors, valves and service kits. Use the Request a Quote button or contact us directly with your part number and machine details.