Which Rainbow Vacuum Do I Have? Models by Year
Rexair has built the Rainbow since 1936, and over the decades the models have looked a lot alike. This guide helps you work out which one you own in two steps: find the label on your machine, then match your year, color and the small details in the table. Every model links to its parts, its owner's manual and our complete refurbished units, and to its full story on our Rainbow history page.
Three ways to tell
- Read the label. It shows your model, serial number and a three-digit date code. Step 1 shows where it is on every model.
- Look at the color and trim. Black, silver, gold, chrome and the red-trim silver of the Model C belong to different generations.
- Check the small details. The table lists one or two things that tell neighbors apart, such as where the power switch is or how the HEPA filter is reached.
Step 1: Find your model, serial number and date code
- The model and serial number are on a label (plate). Where it is depends on the model:
| Model | Where the label is |
|---|---|
| Series A and Model 3 | On a plate on top of the unit |
| B and C | On the front plate |
| D, D2 and D2A | On a plate below the main on/off switch |
| D3, D4 and SE | On the bottom of the main unit |
| E-2, E2 Type 12 / Type 23 and SRX | On the SIDE of the machine, straight down below the power cord, in the lower right corner |
- Beside the serial number (before or after it) is a three-digit date code: the quarter, then the year. 221 = second quarter of 2021; 190 = first quarter of 1990.
- Serial numbers are normally 8 digits; a longer number usually has the date code attached.
- The power nozzle has its own serial number and date code, on the silver sticker under the head.
- Type 12 = 120 volt, Type 23 = 240 volt; a D4B is the Canadian D4.
- Still not sure? Text a photo to 301-791-9671.
Step 2: Match your Rainbow
Find your model by year and color, then check the details in the fourth column. Each row links to the shop and manual pages for that model.
| Model | Made | Serial numbers | How to recognize it | Shop and read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 SRX (RHCS19) | Aug 2019 to today | 22000001 and up | The newest design: a lower profile so it does not tip over, a 4-speed motor, soft-touch buttons that face forward, and a timer that shuts it off after 30, 60 or 90 minutes when it runs as an air cleaner. The label is on the side, straight below the power cord. | Parts · Complete units |
 E2 Type 12 Black, version 2 | about Sep 2012 to Aug 2019 | 20480000 to 22000000 | Black. Like version 1 plus a small LED light on the front of the faceplate (added late 2012), blue and white lights that shine into the water pan, and no collapsible cord-wrap arms. | Parts · Manual v2 · Complete units |
| E2 Type 12 Black, version 1 | Mar 10, 2011 to about Sep 2012 | 20200001 to 20479999 | Black, with the water-pan lights and no collapsible cord-wrap arms, but no LED light on the faceplate. | Manual v1 · History |
 E2 Type 12 Silver | about Sep 2007 to Mar 9, 2011 | about 01327100 to 20199999 | Silver, with collapsible cord-wrap arms and no water-pan lights. Two speeds, HI and LOW. There are two versions, which differ in the motor. | Parts · Manual · Complete units |
 E2 Type 12 Gold, version 2 | Jan 13, 2006 to Aug 2007 | 01187450 to 01326999 | Gold, with sound-reducing acoustic foam that makes it much quieter on both HI and LOW. | Parts · Manual · Complete units |
| E2 Type 12 Gold, version 1 | 2nd qtr 2004 to Jan 12, 2006 | 01030001 to 01187449 | Gold, without the acoustic foam of version 2. Two speeds, HI and LOW. | History |
| E2 Type 12 "Stripes" (the first E2) | Sep 4, 2003 to 2nd qtr 2004 (estimate) | 01000000 to 01030000 | The very first E2 Type 12: gold stripes very much like the e SERIES, but two speeds instead of one. | History |
 E-2 e SERIES, version 2 | Mar 27, 2000 to Sep 3, 2003 | 9280000 to 9999999 | Single speed (on and off only). The rear cover comes off easily, so changing the HEPA filter is simple. | Parts · Manual v2 · Complete units |
| E-2 e SERIES, version 1 | Aug 5, 1998 to Mar 26, 2000 | 9000000 to 9279999 | Single speed. Reaching the HEPA filter means removing four screws. | Manual v1 · History |
 D4C Special Edition (SE), version 2 | Apr 1994 to Aug 4, 1998 | 8000000 to 8999999 | The last of the D series and the last Rainbow without a HEPA filter. It came with the PN-2 power nozzle. | Parts · Manual v2 · Complete units |
| D4C Special Edition (SE), version 1 | Apr 1990 to Apr 1994 | 7000000 to 7999999 | Same machine as version 2 but it came with the R-4375C power nozzle. An early "Rainbow SE" decal on the top handle was dropped years before the line ended, so many SE units have none; some have a black-coated flange with four screw holes instead of eight. | Manual v1 · History |
 D4C | Apr 1986 to Apr 1990 | 6000000 to 6999999 | The main power switch is on top (on the D3 it is on the side). A smaller motor with fewer parts; early cap covers are smooth, later ones have a hammered finish. The label is on the bottom. A D4B is the Canadian version. | Parts · Manual · Complete units |
 D3C | Jun 1982 to Apr 1986 | 4545550 to 5999999 | The first Rainbow with an all-plastic outer shell. Two-prong power-nozzle receptacle, and a plastic separator held on by a nut. Label on the bottom. | Parts · Manual D3C/D3A |
| D3A | Jun 30, 1980 to Jun 1982 | 4388126 to 4545549 | Three-prong power-nozzle receptacle for the R-1650A power nozzle, and a metal separator held on with a bolt. Label on the bottom. | History |
 D2A | late 1979 to mid-1980 | not recorded | A short transition model: the D2 body with the D3's bypass motor and a three-prong power-nozzle receptacle. The label is on a plate below the main on/off switch. | Parts · Manual D2A/D2 |
| D2 | 2nd qtr 1974 to end of 1979 | 3600000 to 4383000 | The Model D with a factory power-nozzle receptacle added, so it came with the R1024 power nozzle. Copper colored until 1979, then chocolate brown. Label on a plate below the main on/off switch. | History |
| D (Chrome) | 2nd qtr 1961 to 2nd qtr 1974 | 2270000 to 3599999 | A chrome-plated top with a copper-colored lower body. No power-nozzle receptacle (that arrived with the D2). Label on a plate below the main on/off switch. | Manual |
 D (Gold, the first D) | Apr 1955 to 2nd qtr 1961 | 1780000 to 2269999 | Gold top. Early units say "Rexair" on the front top cap; by the end of 1960 it says "Rainbow" with a full-color rainbow. Label on a plate below the main on/off switch. | Manual · Main unit |
 Model C | Oct 1950 to Apr 1955 | 1130000 to 1779999 | Silver with red trim. A curved bottom wand, locking rug and floor tools, and (on later units) the first plastic water pan. Label on the front plate. | Parts · Main unit |
 Model B, after the war | Oct 1946 to Sep 30, 1950 | 400001 to 1129999 | Black ("Black Diamond") with its own front nameplate and a redesigned water pan. A serial number above 400000 means it was built after the war. Label on the front plate. | Manual · Main unit |
 Model 3 (wartime) | 1st qtr 1942 to Oct 1946 | 300000 to 399999 | The wartime Rexair, built for the war effort and not sold to the public. Serial numbers 300000 to 399999. Extremely rare. The label is on a plate on top of the unit. | Our Model 3 listing · History |
| Model B, before the war | Apr 1940 to Dec 1941 | 172000 to 299999 | Same as the post-war B (black, front nameplate); serial numbers 172000 to 299999. | History |
 Series A | Oct 16, 1936 to Apr 1940 | 001001 to 171999 | The very first Rainbow. The top nameplate says "Series A" instead of "Model". Collectors describe it as chocolate brown with only the round top nameplate. The label is on a plate on top of the unit. | Parts · Main unit · History |
What goes with my Rainbow?
| Rainbow | Power nozzle | AquaMate | RainbowMate | RainJet | MiniJet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRX | PN3 | AM-12 (SRX) | RM-12 | RJ-12 | MJ-12 (SRX) |
| E2 Black | PN-12 | AM-12 (IV) | RM-12 Black | RJ-12 | MJ-12 (E2) |
| E2 Silver | PN-2E | AM-12 (III) | RM-12 Silver | - | MJ-12 (E2) |
| E2 Gold | PN-2E | AM-2 (II) | RM-2E | - | MJ-12 (E2) |
| E-2 e SERIES | PN-2E | AquaMate I (e SERIES) | RM-2E | - | MJ-12 (E2) |
| D4C SE | PN-2 or R-4375C | AquaMate I (SE) | RM-2 | - | - |
| D4C | R-2800C | AquaMate I (D4) | - | - | - |
| D3C / D3A | R-1650C / R-1650A | AquaMate, AquaMate I (D3) | - | - | - |
| D2A / D2 / D | R1024 | Shampooer (Upright) | - | - | - |
The power nozzle, AquaMate, RainbowMate, RainJet and MiniJet each changed along with the machine they go with. The table above shows which goes with which, and the full story of every version is on our Rainbow history page. Not sure which attachment you have? Send us a photo and we will tell you.
Still not sure?
Send us a photo of the whole machine and a close-up of its label, or call 301-791-9669 (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 6 pm Eastern). You can also text a photo to 301-791-9671 and we will read the label for you. RainVac (established in 1992) is the online Authorized Parts and Service company for Rexair, the manufacturer of the Rainbow Cleaning System, and we repair older Rainbows too, including units older than a 1984 model.