Simple and Effective Pipe Markers and Labels

Pipe markers or pipe labels are essential for the fast identification of the contents of pipes and conduits. Emergency responders, contractors and employees all need to easily distinguish between pipes that may otherwise be similar in appearance. Those installing and maintaining the pipes are responsible for ensuring the labels always meet Australian Standards.

What Colour Are Australian Pipe Markers and Labels?

Standards Australia developed the Identification of the contents of pipes, conduits and ducts standard (AS 1345-1995) to ensure consistent labelling. Below outlines the required colours for different pipes.

• Green: Water; Drinking water, wastewater, cooling water, stormwater, recycled water, etc.
• Silver-Grey: Steam; Live steam, process steam, exhaust steam, space heating steam, etc.
• Brown: Oils, flammable liquids, and combustible liquids; Fuel and lubricating pols, oils used for food processing, petrol oil, etc.
• Sand/Yellow-Ochre: Gases; Fuel gases, process gases, liquefied gases under pressure, medical gases, etc.
• Violet: Alkalis/Acids; All corrosive liquids and gases.
• Light Blue: Air; Compressed air, ventilation, instrument air, etc.
• Black: Miscellaneous; Chemical mixtures, sewage, process wastes, etc.
• Red: Fire Protection; Water dedicated for fire services, fire extinguishing foam, etc.
• Orange: Electrical; Electrical supply circuit, used for conduits.
• White: Communications; Conduits with extra-low voltage supply, telephone circuits, etc.?

Requirements for Pipe Markers and Labels in Australia

Along with being the standardised colour, pipe labels in Australia must also meet the following requirements:

• Pipe markers must include words in black or white text to indicate the pipe’s contents.
• The base colour is to be surrounded by a contrasting white, and within that white border, an arrow is to be included indicating the direction of flow.
• To ensure the pipe labels can be easily seen, they must be located at spacings not greater than 8 metres along the pipe and adjacent to all junctions, valves, service appliances, bulkheads, and wall penetrations.
• An appropriate safety symbol must be included if the pipe contains a general, radiological or biological hazard.

Correct pipe labelling is essential to ensure all those coming into contact with the pipe know what is running through it, and can prepare safety measures as required.

High-Quality and Inexpensive Pipe Labels and Markers?

Wiremarkers Australia stock all colours for pipe markers and can custom-design single labels when needed. They use premium vinyl for their labels, meaning vibrant and long-lasting colours. Outdoor labels are UV protected for three to five years (depending on the colour), and printing quality means the labels are clear and easy to read.?

Producing pipe marking labels in their Queensland workshop means Wiremarkers Australia can deliver quickly to anywhere in Australia. The local sales team is always happy to discuss requirements with their customers.

In-house pipe labels are printed using a MAX Bepop Thermal Transfer Desktop Printer and genuine MAX vinyl. Customers with more frequent label and marking needs often choose to purchase this printer for their own worksite, allowing them to instantly create labels whenever needed.

Because the Bepop printer can create signs and labels in any colour and shape, up to 100mm high by 2000mm long, its use goes well beyond making pipe labels. The printer comes with free software, including thousands of templates, but also allows users to create their own designs. Typical uses include coaxial and hybrid labels, various warning labels, feeder labels, danger labels, and T-style flags for marking smaller cables.

For more information about pipe labels or the MAX Bepop Thermal Transfer Desktop Printer, contact the Wiremarkers Australia team .