Pipe Labeling Requirements

ANSI / ASME A13.1

According to ANSI/ASME A13.1, pipe markers should conform to certain requirements. The most recent update to the ANSI/ASME A13.1 code has introduced a new color scheme that specifies which colors to use for pipe labels. The code also specifies standards for the label sizes and placement.

In 2007 the ANSI/ASME A13.1 standard was updated and is now recommended for all new pipe marker applications. For facilities with existing pipe markers, it is recommended that they are updated for consistent identification.

ANSI/ASME A13.1 Standard Label Colors

The current version of the ANSI / ASME code uses a pipe labeling standards color code chart with six standard color combinations, and four user-defined combinations, as shown in the table below. The colors are based on the contents of the pipe; in general, the most hazardous feature of the contents should determine the colors used.

Pipe Contents	Color Scheme
Fire-quenching fluids	White text on red
Toxic and corrosive fluids	Black text on orange
Flammable fluids	Black text on yellow
Combustible fluids	White text on brown
Potable, cooling, boiler feed, and other water	White text on green
Compressed air	White text on blue
User-defined	White text on purple
User-defined	Black text on white
User-defined	White text on grey
User-defined	White text on black

FREE ANSI/ASME A13.1 - Pipe Marking Guide

Pipe marker labels indicate which pipelines are dangerous, direction of flow, and pipe contents.

Pipe Label Placement

Pipe labels should be positioned so that they can be easily seen from the normal angle of approach—for instance, below the centerline of the pipe if the pipe is overhead, and above the centerline if the pipe is below eye level. Pipe labels should be placed:

• Adjacent to all valves and flanges
• Adjacent to all changes of direction
• On both sides of wall or floor penetrations
• At regular intervals on straight runs (50' is the acceptable maximum spacing, but closer spacing might be necessary for visibility.)

On many piping systems, there will be valves, actuators, and/or transmitters that can be tricky to label with an adhesive pipe marker. Accessories such as Valve Tags and DuraTags can make labeling these awkward places quick and easy.

Label Size

Pipe diameter determines the appropriate label and text sizes, as shown in the following table.

Outside Pipe Diameter (including insulation)		Minimum Length of Label Color Field		Minimum Letter Height
Inches	mm	Inches	mm	Inches	mm
.75–1.25*	19–32	8	203	.5	13
1.5–2	38–51	8	203	.75	19
2.5–6	64–152	12	305	1.25	32
8–10	203–254	24	610	2.5	64
>10	>254	32	813	3.5	89

Need help with pipe labels? Give us a call at 1-888-326-9244. Our knowledgeable customer service staff will be glad to answer your questions and help find the right labeling solution for your facility.

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