ANSI Pipe Marking Colors Standards
Contents
ANSI color code for pipe marking
With the first and latest update in many years, the 2007 edition of the ANSI/ASME A13.1 changed the color coding requirements for the labels and markers on pipes. In this new edition of the pipe marking standards, they added some new colors. The new label color requirements are based on the characteristic hazards of what is in the pipe you are marking. See below!
Industrial Pipe Marking Color Chart
| Color | Application |
| Yellow | Flammable Fluids |
| Red | Fire Quenching Fluids |
| Orange | Toxic/Corrosive Fluids |
| Green | Potable, Cooling, Boiler-Feed, and Other Water |
| Blue | Compressed Air |
| Brown | Combustable Fluids |
| Purple | [Definable by User] |
| Black | [Definable by User] |
| White | [Definable by User] |
| Gray | [Definable by User] |
* Source ANSI/ASME A13.1
Correct Placement of Labels
You need to place labels in a way that they can be seen from the ground easily. Employees need to be able to look at a pipe and know its contents directly facing them. Labels should affixed be near valves, branches, splits, near changes of direction, or at the entry and exit points in a room. Recommended spacing would be no greater than 20 feet on a straight run of pipe. See below for more information.
| Pipe Diameter | Minimum Label Length | Minimum Letter Height |
| 0.7″ – 1.3″ | 8″ | .5″ |
| 1.4″ – 2.4″ | 8″ | .7″ |
| 2.5″ – 6.7″ | 12″ | 1.3″ |
| 6.8″ – 10″ | 24″ | 2.5″ |
| > 10″ | 32″ | 3.5″ |
Pipe Marking labels must effectively communicate the contents of the pipes and give additional detail if special hazards (such as extreme temperatures or pressures) exist.
When marking your pipes, there are 4 key areas where labels should be placed:
- At 25 to 50 foot intervals on straight runs
- At all changes in direction
- On both sides of entry points through floors and walls
- Adjacent to all flanges and valves
Sources
- ASME A13.1-2007 Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems, NY 10016
- ANSI Z53.1-1979 Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards, NY 10036
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