Pipe Marking Guide
Pipe Identification Colors
This is a comprehensive guide on identification pipe marking colours for the content of piping systems according to ISO 14726 standard, including single and multi-colour combinations for ships and marine industry.
A-SPE pipe markers are made to the latest standards and regulations required by customers and can be designed to comply with one of the following norms: ISO 14726:2008, BS-1710 / BS-4800, ANSI/ASME A13-1, TRGS-201, NBR 6493 or any other marine and industrial standard. The use of colour in the identification of pipes can be based on the following colour charts: RAL, Pantone or Munsell.
Apart from specific colour-coding which identifies a pipe medium and possible hazards related to that substance, pipe labels can be equipped with additional information, including flow direction, secondary language, system code, system description, line numbers or QR codes. The font type and the letter height are another requirements, next to the colours, that need to be taken into account, so that the written identification of the content is clearly visible and legible. The height of text characters should correspond to the appropriate pipe outside diameter. The recommended pipe marker dimensions for most popular nominal pipe sizes can be further found in our Pipe Marking Dimension Table below.
Single-Color Pipe Identification Tapes
(acc. to ISO 14726:2008)
Multi-Colour Pipe Identification Tapes
(acc. to ISO 14726:2008)
BS 1710: British Standard
Pipe Identification
What is BS 1710? BS 1710 is the British Standard for identifying pipelines and services in buildings and industrial installations. The current edition, BS 1710:2014, marks every pipe with a basic identification colour showing the contents plus a code or safety colour band, using BS 4800:2011 colour references. It is the recognised way to meet the pipe-marking requirements of the UK Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
Where ISO 14726 (above) governs ships and marine installations, BS 1710 is what UK-based yards, buildings and shore installations specify. A-SPE pipe markers and tapes can be produced to either standard - see our Pipe Markers Eco, Advanced and Precoiled lines and Pipe Identification Plates.
BS 1710 basic identification colours
| Pipe contents | Basic colour | BS 4800 ref |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Green | 12 D 45 |
| Steam | Silver-grey | 10 A 03 |
| Mineral, vegetable and animal oils; combustible liquids | Brown | 06 C 39 |
| Gases (in gaseous or liquefied condition, except air) | Yellow ochre | 08 C 35 |
| Acids and alkalis | Violet | 22 C 37 |
| Air | Light blue | 20 E 51 |
| Waste effluents | Black | 00 E 53 |
| Electrical services and ventilation ducts | Orange | 06 E 51 |
BS 1710 code and safety colours
Code and safety colours are applied as a centre band between two bands of the basic identification colour (basic / code / basic), at junctions, valves and wall penetrations.
| Meaning | Colour | BS 4800 ref |
|---|---|---|
| Fire fighting | Red | 04 E 53 |
| Warning (dangerous contents) | Yellow | 08 E 51 |
| Fresh water from a public supply | Auxiliary blue | 18 E 53 |
| Water from any other source | Flint grey | 00 A 09 |
ISO 14726 vs BS 1710 vs ASME A13.1
| ISO 14726 | BS 1710 | ASME A13.1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it applies | Ships and marine installations (the standard behind IMO-flag-state expectations) | United Kingdom buildings and services; referenced for the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 | United States industrial and power facilities |
| How a pipe is marked | Main colour plus an additional colour combination applied as rings or full-length marking | Basic identification colour with a code or safety colour band in the centre (basic / code / basic sandwich) | Background colour with a printed legend and flow arrow; colour is keyed to the hazard class of the contents |
| Colour reference system | RAL colours (this guide’s tables) | BS 4800:2011 colour references | ANSI Z535.1 safety colours |
| Current edition | ISO 14726:2008 | BS 1710:2014 | ASME A13.1-2023 |
Design and Dimensions
The below table shows recommended pipe marker dimensions for most popular nominal pipe sizes. Each marker length comes with a suitable font and arrow sizes. The sizes include a minimum 30mm overlap, however they do not include any additional pipe coatings like insulation etc.
Information about insulation thickness or other coatings should be provided with other details necessary for the quotation.
ISO 14726 Installation Tips
Important: During application the tape should overlap 3-4 cm
Properly installed markers serve for many years and improve the level of occupational safety, helping to reduce the amount of downtime and accidents. The positioning of pipe marking must make it possible for personnel to identify the pipeline from the point of normal approach.
According to the ISO 14726:2008 regulation, the following points should be considered during the installation of pipe markers:
- Markers should be installed within a 3-5m distance between each marking point on a horizontal and vertical pipeline. Branched pipes or close proximity to pipes carrying different media may require a more frequent marking.
- In case of valves, markers should be installed at a distance of approx. 75mm from the corresponding flange.
- Markers should be mounted at all penetration points in walls, bulkheads or decks.
- Markers should be installed on each side of the pipe branch.
- In case of a vertical piping system, markers should be applied at a height of approx. 170cm to ensure good visibility.
The exact estimation of the quantity of markers and installation points is determined at the stage of material preparation. A-SPE specialists can offer you professional advice based on the provided pipeline scheme and detailed specifications.
A-SPE Pipe Marking Solutions
Once pipe identification requirements have been defined, the next step is selecting the marking solution best suited to the installation environment, application method and durability expectations. Our pipe marking range includes AS10 ECO Pipe Markers for standard identification needs, AS11 Advanced Pipe Markers for more demanding industrial and marine applications, and AS12 Pre-coiled Pipe Markers for fast, efficient installation on pipes of varying diameters. Explore the full range to choose the solution that matches your project requirements.
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Pipe Markers Eco
Cost-effective pipe marking tapes dedicated for indoor and outdoor use in areas with limited exposure to direct sunlight and adverse weather conditions.
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Pipe Markers Advanced
Advanced Pipe Markers and Tapes built with enhanced durability to withstand higher temperatures, ensuring long-lasting safety labelling.
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Pipe Markers Precoiled
High-performance Pipe Markers of special pre-coiled design for the most demanding piping systems and easiest application.
