Valve Tag Color Codes: The Complete Guide to Industry Standards
This article is for general informational purposes only. Standards and best practices may vary by industry and jurisdiction. Consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance on your application.
Choosing the right colors for your valve tags isn't just about aesthetics—it's about safety, compliance, and instant recognition. This guide breaks down industry-standard valve tag color codes so your team can identify pipe contents at a glance.
Why Valve Tag Colors Matter
In industrial facilities, a split-second of confusion can lead to serious accidents. Color-coded valve tags allow operators, maintenance personnel, and emergency responders to instantly identify what's flowing through a pipe without reading fine print or consulting manuals.
While OSHA doesn't mandate specific colors for valve tags, several industry standards have emerged as best practices. Most facilities follow ANSI/ASME A13.1 for pipe marking, which directly influences valve tag color selection.
Standard Valve Tag Color Codes
Water Systems
| Service | Background | Text | Common Abbreviations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilled Water Supply | Green | White | CHWS, CWS |
| Chilled Water Return | Blue | White | CHWR, CWR |
| Hot Water Supply | Red | White | HWS, HW |
| Hot Water Return | Orange | Black | HWR |
| Domestic Water | Green | White | DW, POTABLE |
Steam and Condensate
| Service | Background | Text | Common Abbreviations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam (High Pressure) | Brown | White | HPS, STM |
| Steam (Low Pressure) | Brown | White | LPS, STM |
| Condensate | Brown | White | COND, CR |
Hazardous and Flammable
| Service | Background | Text | Common Abbreviations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas | Yellow | Black | GAS, NG, FUEL |
| Fuel Oil | Yellow | Black | FO, FUEL OIL |
| Compressed Air | Blue | White | CA, AIR, COMP AIR |
Fire Protection
| Service | Background | Text | Common Abbreviations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection | Red | White | FP, FIRE, SPRINKLER |
ANSI/ASME A13.1 Pipe Color Standards
The ANSI/ASME A13.1 standard defines specific colors for pipe contents:
- Yellow (or Orange): Flammable fluids, oxidizers, gases
- Green: Potable water, cooling water, boiler feed water
- Blue: Compressed air, other non-hazardous gases
- Red: Fire protection, quench water
- Orange: Toxic or corrosive fluids
- Brown: Combustible fluids (fuel oil, lubricants)
- Purple: Radioactive materials
Best Practices for Valve Tag Programs
1. Establish a Facility-Wide Standard
Document your color coding scheme and distribute it to all personnel. Consistency is crucial—mixing standards leads to confusion and safety risks.
2. Include Essential Information
Every valve tag should include:
- Valve number or ID
- Service description (what's in the pipe)
- Normal position (open/closed)
- System identifier
3. Choose Durable Materials
Valve tags must withstand their environment:
- Engraved plastic (phenolic): Best for most indoor applications, chemical resistant, won't rust
- Stainless steel: Ideal for outdoor, high-heat, or corrosive environments
- Brass: Traditional option, spark-resistant for hazardous areas
4. Size Tags Appropriately
Tags should be readable from a reasonable distance:
- 1.5" diameter: Standard for most valves
- 2" diameter: Better visibility, more text space
- 2.5" or larger: Critical valves, emergency shutoffs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using inconsistent colors: Stick to one standard throughout your facility
- Poor contrast: Always pair light text with dark backgrounds (or vice versa)
- Fading tags: Replace weathered tags immediately—unreadable tags are dangerous
- Missing tags: Every valve should be tagged, no exceptions
- Handwritten labels: Always use engraved or printed tags for durability and legibility
Getting Started
Ready to implement a color-coded valve tag system? Our online tag builder lets you design custom valve tags in any color combination, with your specific text and numbering. Preview your tags instantly and order in quantities from 1 to 1,000+.
