HVAC Marking
Pipe Markers | Pipe Marker Applications | HVAC Pipe Labeling
By Steve Hudgik
HVAC is an acronym that stands for the closely related functions of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning, which are the primarily components to providing indoor environmental comfort.
Under ANSI standards, all HVAC pipe labels must be color-coded and feature lettering that explains pipe use and arrows that show the direction of flow.
ANSI requires HVAC labels indicate the name of the contents and use arrows to show the direction of flow of the material. A color is used in combination with the textual information to identify any hazards of the contents. The label needs to be applied close to valves, flanges, branches, changes in direction and wherever pipes pass through walls.
Get a FREE Pipe Marking Wall Guide
Free full color, laminated pipe marking guide!
Duct Labeling
While HVAC pipes are used to transport hot and cold water, ducts are regularly used to deliver and remove air, dust, and gases. Rectangular HVAC ducts are commonly produced from rigid insulation panels, because it can easily fabricate any custom duct shape and size. And because the ducts are made of insulation themselves, they do not require any further insulation.
HVAC air ducts deliver and remove air. They provided needed HVAC airflows including supply air, return air, and exhaust air to fully furnish comfortable air conditioning for most work settings.
According to ANSI, labels for HVAC ducts should be made of sturdy plastic that is 1/8 inch thick with predrilled holes for the duct attachment. The lettering has to be yellow, with a minimum size of 1/4 inch, on top of a white background that should be at least 2.5" x .75".
Heavy-Duty Valve Tags from DuraLabel are an ideal solution for HVAC duct labeling. They provide a solid backing for Continuous Vinyl Supply, making lasting and effective labeling for most varieties of HVAC ducts.
Each Valve tag includes pre-drilled holes to hang labels with plastic or metal ties. Their heavy construction allows them to endure locations where harsh and abrasive conditions.
The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute
The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) assigns colors to containers used for new and reclaimed refrigerants that meet ARI 700 purity standards. ARI 700 tests the quality of new and reclaimed refrigerants used in new and existing refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
Colors are not automatically assigned to new refrigerants. Chemical producers must request color assignments from ARI, and they can't be assigned based on product tradenames. Colors are only given to general refrigerant designations specified by ASHRAE Standard 34.
ASHRAE Standard 34 sets the format for refrigerant numbering and defines Safety Group Classifications for refrigerants according to their toxicity and flammability. Toxicity classifications are based on the Threshold Limit Value-Time Weighted Average – which is compiled over a normal 8 hour workday or 40 hour workweek where nearly all workers may be exposed without negative effect.
Under the ARI 700, the color designation for containers with flammable refrigerants also requires a red band across the top of the label. Refrigerants that do not have an assigned color or are only sold in small quantities will be assigned a light green color.
You can create your own fully compliant pipe markers using DuraLabel Continuous Vinyl and ribbons with either the DuraLabel PRO, DuraLabel 7000, or DuraLabel 9000 printer. This industrial quality supply comes in a wide variety of colors and is resistant to UV rays, moisture, chemicals and scratching.
Use DuraLabel Premium Vinyl Tape and specialty supplies to label Ammonia Piping, Medical Piping and Marine Piping
If labels made with DuraLabel Premium Vinyl fail within five years of purchase,
we will provide a one-time replacement roll of the same supply.
Carbon Steel Pipe Data Page Information about various sizes of carbon steel pipe.
