This article described the key specifications applicable to pipe color coding in the US, and Europe.
Pipe color coding is a system used to visually identify the contents, function, or classification of pipes within a facility or construction project. It helps workers and operators quickly recognize the purpose of a pipe and adhere to safety regulations. While color coding standards can vary depending on the industry, location, and specific requirements, there are some common color codes used across different applications, which are generally shared among national specifications.
ASME A13.1 SPEC: PIPING COLOR-CODING (USA)
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) developed the ANSI/ASME A13.1 standard for pipe color coding in industrial facilities. This standard provides guidelines for identifying pipe contents and functions based on color. Besides the color of piping materials, the ASME A13.1 standard sets also requirements in terms of length and height of the color mark depending on the pipe outside diameter.
According to the ASME A13,1 specification, fluids are classified into:
- Flammable: fluids and vapors that may ignite and burn in the air
- Fire-quenching: water, foam, and CO2 used in sprinkler systems and firefighting systems
- Toxic and corrosive: media that are corrosive or toxic
- Combustible (not flammable)
- Oxidizing (gas or liquid that may contribute to the combustion of other materials when combined with oxygen)
- Compressed air
Background Color
The background color of the pipe indicates the general category or type of fluid or gas carried within the pipe. According to ASME A13.1 for pipe color coding, the background color shall be:
- Yellow: Flammable fluids and gases (e.g., natural gas, gasoline)
- Orange: Toxic or corrosive fluids (e.g., acids, caustics)
- Green: Potable water supply lines
- Blue: Compressed air or other gases
- Brown: Combustible fluids (e.g., oils, fuels)
- Red: Fire protection systems (e.g., fire sprinkler lines, fire hydrants)
- Purple: Reclaimed or recycled water
- Gray: Non-potable water supply lines
- White: Steam, steam condensate, or other substances
- Black: Miscellaneous substances or products
Color Bands
Color bands or stripes are used to further specify the contents or function of the pipe. According to ASME A13.1 for pipe color coding, the color band shall be:
- Red: Fire protection equipment (e.g., fire pumps, fire hydrants)
- Yellow: Flammable fluids or gases
- Orange: Toxic or corrosive fluids
- Blue: Compressed air
- Green: Potable water
- Purple: Reclaimed water
- Brown: Combustible fluids
EN 13480 SPEC: PIPING COLOR-CODING (EU)
The European Standard EN 13480 provides guidelines for pipe color coding in European countries. While similar to ANSI/ASME standards, there may be some variations in color codes and interpretations.
Common color codes per the EN 13480 European Specification for piping color coding include:
- Yellow: Flammable fluids or gases
- Red: Fire protection systems
- Blue: Compressed air
- Green: Potable water
- Brown: Combustible fluids
- White: Steam
- Gray: Non-potable water
- Orange: Toxic or corrosive fluids
PFI ES-22 SPEC.: PIPING COLOR CODING
PFI ES-22 stands for the “Pipe Fabrication Institute Engineering Standard No. 22.” This standard is published by the Pipe Fabrication Institute (PFI), an organization dedicated to advancing the quality and efficiency of pipe fabrication and installation in the industrial construction industry.
PFI ES-22 specifically addresses the “Color Coding Recommendations for Process Piping.” It provides guidelines and recommendations for the color coding of process piping systems to help identify the contents, function, or classification of pipes within industrial facilities. This standard aims to improve safety, facilitate maintenance, and enhance operational efficiency by ensuring clear and consistent identification of pipe contents.
Similar to other pipe color coding standards, PFI ES-22 may specify colors for different types of fluids or gases, such as flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, compressed air, potable water, and more. The standard may also include recommendations for color coding schemes, such as background colors, stripe colors, or other markings, to further specify the contents or function of the pipe.
PFI ES-22 serves as a valuable reference for engineers, designers, fabricators, and operators involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of industrial piping systems. By adhering to the recommendations outlined in this standard, stakeholders can ensure consistent and effective pipe color coding practices that contribute to a safer and more efficient work environment.
Note that, in addition to the colors specified in the table, welded pipes shall show an additional white stripe.
PFI Standard ES-22 Standard: Pipe Color Coding Recommendations | ||
Carbon Steel Pipes | ||
| Material | Material Garde | Band / Strip Color |
| Carbon Steel, Electric Resistance Welded Pipe | A53 Gr. B/API | 1 solid white |
| Carbon Steel, Smls, specified tensile strength under 70,000 psi (483 MPA) | A53 Gr. B | No Marking |
| Carbon Steel killed steel | A106 Gr. B | 1 solid green |
| Carbon Steel, specified tensile strength 70,000 psi (483 MPA) and over | A106 Gr. C | 2 solid green |
| Carbon Steel, low temperature (impact tested) | A333 Gr. 6 | 1 solid red |
High Yield Carbon Steel Pipes | ||
| 52,000 min. yield | API 5L X-52 | 1 solid yellow, 1 solid green |
| 60,000 min. yield | API 5L X-60 | 1 solid yellow, 1 solid pink |
| 65,000 min. yield | API 5L X-65 | 2 solid yellow |
| 70,000 min. yield | API 5L X-70 | 1 solid yellow, 1 solid orange |
Low Alloy Pipes | ||
| C-Mo steel | A335 Gr. P1 | 1 solid orange |
| 1 Cr-1/2 Mo Steel | A335 Gr. P12 | 1 solid orange, 1 solid blue |
| 1 1 /4 Cr-1/2 Mo Steel | A335 Gr. P11 | 1 solid yellow |
| 2 1/4 Cr-1 Mo Steel | A335 Gr. P22 | 1 solid blue |
| 5 Cr-1/2 Mo Steel | A335 Gr. P5 | 1 solid blue, 1 solid yellow |
| 9 Cr-1/2 Mo Steel | A335 Gr. P9 | 2 solid orange |
Ferritic and Martensitic Pipes and Tubes | ||
| Type 405 | A268 TP405 | 1 solid green, 1 solid black |
| Type 410 | A268 TP410 | 1 solid green, 1 solid red |
Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipes | ||
| Type 304 | A312 TP304 | 1 solid black |
| Type 304L | A312 TP304L | 2 solid black |
| Type 304H | A312 TP304H | 1 intermittent black |
| Type 309 | A358 Gr309 | 1 solid black, 1 solid brown |
| Type 310 | A358Gr310 | 1 solid green, 1 solid orange |
| Type 316 | A312 TP316 | 1 solid gray |
| Type 316L | A312 TP316L | 2 solid gray |
| Type 316H | A312 TP316H | 1 intermittent gray |
| Type 317 | A312 TP317 | 1 solid brown, 1 solid green |
| Type317L | A312 TP317L | 1 solid brown, 1 solid red |
| Type 321 | A312 TP321 | 1 solid pink |
| Type 321 H | A312 TP321H | 2 solid pink |
| Type 347 | A312 TP347 | 1 solid brown |
| Type 347H | A312 TP347H | 2 solid brown |
Nickel-Alloy Pipes | ||
| Nickel 200 | 1 solid black, 1 solid pink | |
| Incoloy 800 | 1 solid black, 1 solid orange | |
| Incoloy 800H | 1 solid gray, 1 solid red | |
| Incoloy 825 | 1 solid gray, 1 solid blue | |
| Inconel 600 | 2 solid blue | |
| Inconel 625 | 1 solid blue, 1 solid pink | |
| Hastelloy Alloy 8-2 | 1 solid red, 1 solid orange | |
| Hastelloy Alloy C-276 | 1 solid red, 1 solid blue | |
| Hastelloy Alloy C-22 | 2 solid red | |
| Hastelloy Alloy G | 1 solid red, 1 solid yellow | |
| Carpenter Alloy 20 C 8-3 | 1 solid black, 1 solid blue | |
| Monel 400 | 1 solid black, 1 solid yellow | |
ISO 14726 SPEC.: PIPELINES COLOR CODING (EU)
ISO 14726 is an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard that provides guidelines and recommendations for the identification and color coding of pipelines in various industrial and commercial applications. Specifically, ISO 14726 addresses the identification of piping systems by color coding for the purposes of safety, maintenance, and operational efficiency.
Key features of ISO 14726 for pipe color standards include:
- Color Bands: ISO 14726 specifies the use of color bands or stripes applied to pipes to indicate the type of fluid or gas carried within the pipe. Each color represents a specific category of contents, such as water, steam, compressed air, hazardous chemicals, or fire protection systems.
- Background Colors: In addition to color bands, ISO 14726 may recommend background colors for pipe markings to further differentiate between different types of fluids or gases. Background colors provide visual cues that aid in the quick identification of pipe contents.
- Text and Labels: ISO 14726 may also recommend the use of text or labels alongside color bands to provide additional information about the pipe contents, operating conditions, or safety precautions.
- Size and Placement: The standard may include guidelines for the size, placement, and spacing of pipe markings to ensure visibility and legibility under various lighting and environmental conditions.
- Compliance and Maintenance: ISO 14726 may provide recommendations for the ongoing maintenance and inspection of pipe markings to ensure they remain visible, intact, and compliant with regulatory requirements over time.
ISO 14726 is typically referenced by engineers, designers, facility managers, and safety professionals involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of industrial piping systems on a global scale. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this standard, stakeholders can establish consistent and effective pipe-marking practices that contribute to a safer and more efficient work environment.
It’s important to note that while ISO 14726 provides international guidance for pipe color coding, regional standards, and regulations may also apply in specific industries or jurisdictions. As such, it’s essential to consult relevant standards and regulatory requirements when implementing pipe marking and identification systems.
BS 1710 SPEC.: PIPING COLOR CODING (UK & IRELAND)
BS 1710 is a British Standard that provides guidelines and recommendations for the identification and color coding of pipelines, ducts, and services in industrial and commercial facilities. It is widely used in the United Kingdom and other countries as a reference for pipe marking and identification.
BS 1710 specifies the colors and markings to be used on pipes to indicate the contents, function, or classification of the piping system. The standard aims to enhance safety, facilitate maintenance, and improve operational efficiency by ensuring clear and consistent identification of pipe contents.
Key features of the BS 1710 standard for pipe color standards include:
- Color Bands: BS 1710 utilizes color bands or stripes applied to pipes to indicate the type of fluid or gas carried within the pipe. Each color represents a specific category of contents, such as water, steam, compressed air, hazardous chemicals, or fire protection systems.
- Background Colors: In addition to color bands, BS 1710 may specify background colors for pipe markings to further differentiate between different types of fluids or gases. Background colors provide visual cues that aid in the quick identification of pipe contents.
- Text and Labels: BS 1710 may also recommend the use of text or labels alongside color bands to provide additional information about the pipe contents, operating conditions, or safety precautions.
- Size and Placement: The standard may include guidelines for the size, placement, and spacing of pipe markings to ensure visibility and legibility under various lighting and environmental conditions.
- Compliance and Maintenance: BS 1710 may provide recommendations for the ongoing maintenance and inspection of pipe markings to ensure they remain visible, intact, and compliant with regulatory requirements over time.
BS 1710 is typically referenced by engineers, designers, facility managers, and safety professionals involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of industrial piping systems. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this standard, stakeholders can establish consistent and effective pipe-marking practices that contribute to a safer and more efficient work environment.
It’s worth noting that while BS 1710 is widely recognized and used, other standards such as ANSI/ASME A13.1 in the United States and ISO 14726 internationally also provide guidelines for pipe marking and identification.
FACILITY-SPECIFIC STANDARDS
Some industries or facilities may have their own specific color coding standards based on internal policies, safety regulations, or industry best practices. These standards may vary from the ANSI/ASME or European standards but are typically designed to achieve similar objectives of identifying pipe contents and functions accurately.
It’s essential to consult relevant standards, regulations, and facility-specific guidelines when implementing pipe color coding to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with safety requirements. Additionally, proper labeling and signage should accompany pipe color coding to provide clear identification and enhance safety awareness in industrial environments.
