Pipe Marking Guide

• List all pipes in your facility.
  
  
• Gather the following information on your pipes:
  • Outside diameter of pipe. Include insulation.
  • Pipe contents
  • Flow direction
  • Temperature
  • Pressure
    
    
• Consult our Pipe Marking Guide Guide to select the right color of marker for each pipe, as well as the quantity of markers needed.
  
  
• Choose the best material available for your marker based on your plant environment. Considerations might include:
  • Number of labels required—Material pricing may be an issue for plants with extensive labeling needs
  • Temperature extremes—Temperatures below freezing or above 100°F may require special materials
  • Lighting conditions—reflective vinyl is available for use in low-light environments. UV-resistant vinyl prevents fading in sunlight.
  • Harsh environments—Exposure to corrosive chemicals or high-abrasion conditions may require special materials
  
  
• Make and install your pipe markers. Place markers:
  • Adjacent to all valves and flanges
  • At both sides of floor, ceiling or wall penetrations
  • Adjacent to changes in direction of piping
  • At any point of entry into the line
  • At intervals on straight pipe runs sufficient for identification. (Every 50' is considered adequate, but many facilities label every 25' for enhanced visibility. Ammonia piping has a different set of standards. See IIAR Bulletin 114.)
    
    
• Locate markers so that they are visible from the point of normal approach.
  
  
• Keep a reference list or "legend" of all the contents that flow through your piping systems on file.

This information intended for general information purposes only. This list is not a substitute for review of applicable government regulations and standards.