Match the contents
Check the service name, flow or return wording, and arrow orientation against approved drawings. Colour alone does not identify the exact contents.
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PIPEMARK • Pipe identification
Pipe identification tape for every service and setting
Choose clearly printed, colour coded pipe marking tape for building services, plant rooms and exposed pipework. Compare BS 1710 service colours, indoor and outdoor materials, widths and temperature ratings before you order.
What is pipe identification tape?
Pipe identification tape is a self adhesive marker that makes a pipe’s service visible at the point of work. A useful marker combines the agreed service description, identification colours and a clear flow direction where required. Start with a verified pipe schedule, then choose the tape material and width for the actual surface and environment.
Indoor or exposed?
Use Indoor UV+ for protected internal areas. Choose PIPEMARK Outdoor for rooftop, external or weather exposed runs.
Compare materialsSize for the pipe
Standard rolls are 33 m long in 150 mm and 275 mm widths. Check pipe diameter, viewing distance and the project specification before ordering.
Browse available sizesBS 1710 colour coverage
BS 1710:2014 is the UK specification for identification of pipelines and services. The table shows common basic identification colours used to choose a service family. BS 4800 references and the full explanation, including additional bands for particular services, are in our BS 1710 colour chart and pipe marking guide.
| Service family | Basic identification colour | BS 4800 reference |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Green | 12 D 45 |
| Steam | Silver grey | 10 A 03 |
| Oils | Brown | 06 C 39 |
| Gases, except air | Yellow ochre | 08 C 35 |
| Acids and alkalis | Violet | 22 C 37 |
| Air | Light blue | 20 E 51 |
| Waste effluents | Black | 00 E 53 |
| Electrical services and ventilation ducts | Orange | 06 E 51 |
Screen swatches are illustrative, not colour matched samples. The basic colour is only one part of a complete identification scheme. Fire safety red is an additional band in relevant schemes, not a replacement basic colour for every water based fire service. Confirm the exact wording, source, bands and placement from the authorised standard and project requirements.
Indoor vs outdoor pipe marking tape: specification
The figures below come from PIPEMARK’s version 2 product specification sheets. Temperature is the stated in service range of the tape; it is not a rating for the temperature of the fluid in the pipe. Confirm that the pipe or cladding surface and the installation conditions suit the selected grade.
| Specification | Indoor UV+ | PIPEMARK Outdoor |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Protected internal services | Exposed external services; also suitable indoors |
| Face material | Top coated polyethylene film | Plasticised PVC film |
| Adhesive | Permanent acrylic | Permanent rubber based |
| Available format | 150 mm or 275 mm × 33 m | 150 mm or 275 mm × 33 m |
| Face thickness | 80 microns | 84 microns |
| In service temperature | −40°C to +80°C | −20°C to +80°C |
| Water and chemical resistance | Good, per specification | Good, per specification |
| Identification system | BS 1710 layout; BS 4800 colour | BS 1710 layout; BS 4800 colour |
Read the full Indoor UV+ version 2 specification (PDF) and Outdoor version 2 specification (PDF). These typical values do not establish adhesion on every surface. Follow the PIPEMARK application guide (PDF) and test suitability for the installation.
How to select the right pipe marker
- Verify the service. Check the pipe schedule and installed flow direction before selecting printed wording.
- Choose the environment. Match indoor or outdoor material to UV, rain, condensation and the substrate.
- Confirm dimensions and temperature. Check the surface temperature, pipe diameter and viewing position against the specification.
- Plan visible placement. Mark points of work, valves, branches and intervals according to the agreed site scheme.
Shop PIPEMARK pipe identification tape
Choose a range by environment and width, or start with one of these published service markers. Check each product’s exact wording and specification before ordering.
150 mm indoor tape
Compact service identification for plant rooms, risers and other protected areas.
Shop 150 mm indoor tapes →275 mm indoor tape
Wider service marking for larger pipework and longer viewing distances.
Shop 275 mm indoor tapes →Outdoor tape
Dedicated external marking for roof runs and other weather exposed installations.
Shop outdoor tapes →References and technical documents
- BSI: BS 1710:2014, Specification for identification of pipelines and services.
- PIPEMARK BS 1710 colour chart and pipe marking guide for BS 4800 references and the additional band explanation.
- PIPEMARK UV+ Indoor product specification, version 2 (PDF).
- PIPEMARK Outdoor product specification, version 2 (PDF).
- PIPEMARK product application guide (PDF).