---
title: ANSI/ASME A13.1 Standards & How to Order
description: ANSI/ASME A13.1-2020 pipe marking standards guide. Color codes, sizing, placement rules, and how to order from Kolbi.
---
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# ANSI/ASME A13.1 Standards & How to Order
## Standards reference, pipe marker buying guide, and ordering information.
#### ANSI/ASME A13.1 Standards & How to Order
This guide explains the ANSI/ASME A13.1-2020 standard for pipe marker identification and helps you understand what you need to properly mark your piping systems. The standard establishes requirements for marker size, letter height, color, legend, directional arrows, and placement to ensure safety and compliance.
### About ANSI/ASME A13.1-2020
Over a century ago, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) recognized the need for standards in identifying piping systems. The current ANSI/ASME A13.1-2020: Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems establishes six requirements for proper identification. The 2020 update includes new pipe diameter and letter height requirements, guidelines for marking abandoned pipes, and optional use of GHS (Global Harmonized System) pictograms.
### Six Requirements for Proper Pipe Identification
1. Marker size (determined by pipe diameter)
2. Letter height (for visibility and viewing distance)
3. Color (indicates the type of hazard)
4. Legend (the wording on the marker)
5. Directional arrow (shows flow direction)
6. Placement (positioning for visibility)
### Table 1: Marker and Letter Size References
| Pipe Outside Diameter (Including Insulation) | Color Field Length | Letter Height |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 0.7" - 1.3" (18 - 33 mm) | 8" (203 mm) | 0.5" (13 mm) |
| 1.4" - 2.4" (34 - 61 mm) | 8" (203 mm) | 0.7" (19 mm) |
| 2.5" - 6.7" (62 - 170 mm) | 12" (305 mm) | 1.3" (32 mm) |
| 6.8" - 10" (171 - 254 mm) | 24" (610 mm) | 2.5" (64 mm) |
| Over 10" (Over 254 mm) | 32" (813 mm) | 3.5" (89 mm) |
**Why?** The marker size and letter height are determined by the overall pipe diameter including insulation. Letter height requirements are designed for optimum visibility and adequate viewing distance. Color field requirements can be met by including an arrow or arrow banding tape.
### Table 2: Color Designations
| Fluid Service Category | Color Scheme |
| --- | --- |
| Fire Quenching Fluids | Black letters on yellow background |
| Toxic And Corrosive Fluids | Black letters on red background |
| Flammable Liquids | Black letters on red background |
| Combustible Fluids | Black letters on yellow background |
| Potable, Cooling, Boiler Feed, Other Water | Black letters on green background |
| Abandoned Pipes | Black letters on white background with black border |
| Compressed Air | Black letters on blue background |
| Defined By User (4 additional categories) | User-defined |
**What do the colors signify?** Marker colors help identify the inherent danger of piping contents. There are ten color designations: seven standard and four user-defined.
### Table 3: Location of Identification Markers
| Placement Location | Frequency/Requirements |
| --- | --- |
| On Straight Pipes | Every 25 - 50 feet |
| At Each Side of Floor or Wall Pass-through | At each penetration point |
| Adjacent To Valves & Flanges | At each valve and flange |
| Adjacent To Directional Changes | At each direction change |
**Where do markers go?** Marker placement is required to assure visibility. Position markers so they are visible from a normal approach point. Where pipes are above or below normal vision, place lettering above or below the pipe's horizontal centerline.
### Table 4: Standard GHS Pictograms
The use of GHS pictograms or symbols is optional. Where piping is connected to containers labeled in accordance with GHS requirements, a corresponding label including pictograms may be provided.
**Standard GHS Pictograms:** Health Hazard | Flammable | Harmful | Toxic | Oxidizing | Compressed Gas | Corrosive | Explosive | Environment Hazard
### Abandoned Piping
The new 2020 standard recommends marking abandoned piping left in place. These should be marked with a safety white marker with black letters and include a black border. If the piping is protected by pressurized fluid or contains residual hazardous materials, the legend should indicate that.
### Legend Determination
The wording can be the full or abbreviated name of the system content. The standard indicates that legends shall be "brief, informative, pointed, and simple for greatest effectiveness." The legend should have sufficient additional details such as temperature, pressure, etc., as necessary to identify the hazard.
### Why Use Directional Arrows?
Arrows show the directional flow of piping contents. If flow can be in both directions, arrows in both directions should be used. Kolbi's Wrap-Around Markers include integrated arrows. Adhesive Markers comply when used with Arrow Banding Tape or Individual Arrows.
### Pipe Marker Buying Guide
Choose the marker type that best suits your application, environment, and budget.
| Feature | Adhesive Pipe Markers | Wrap-Around Pipe Markers | High-Performance Pipe Markers |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Application Method (Under 6" OD) | Stick-on with Permanent Adhesive | Snap-on Precoiled | Precoiled with Adhesive Strip |
| Application Method (Over 6" OD) | Permanent Adhesive | Precoiled or Nylon Straps | Precoiled or Stainless Steel Straps |
| Surface Preparation | Clean, Dry Surface | Any Surface | Any Surface |
| Application Temperature | Above 50°F | Above 0°F | Above 32°F |
| Outdoor Durability | Good | Very Good | Great |
| UV Protection | Good | Good | Great |
| Expected Outdoor Life | Up to 3 years | Up to 5 years | Up to 8 years |
| Expected Indoor Life | Indefinite | Indefinite | Indefinite |
| Integrated Arrows | Available with or without | Yes | Yes |
| Material | Vinyl | Semi-rigid Vinyl | Polyester |
| Service Temperature Range | -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C) | -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C) | -40°F to 248°F (-40°C to 120°C) |
| ANSI/ASME A13.1 Compliant | Yes (with arrow or arrow tape) | Yes | Yes |
| Visibility | Front view only | 360° view | 360° view |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Very Good | Great |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Good | Great |
| Available Colors | All A13.1 Colors | All A13.1 Colors | All A13.1 Colors |
| Custom Wording Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Colors Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Size Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Application Time | 2+ Minutes | 5-10 Seconds | 20-30 Seconds |
### How to Order
**Step 1: Determine Your Piping Size**
Measure your pipe's outside diameter (including any insulation). Use Table 1 to find the required marker size, color field length, and letter height.
**Step 2: Choose Your Legend (Wording)**
Select from standard legends (available in the full catalog) or specify custom wording if needed. Ensure your wording clearly identifies the fluid service and any hazards (temperature, pressure, etc.).
**Step 3: Select Your Color**
Use Table 2 to select the color that corresponds to your fluid service category.
**Step 4: Choose Your Marker Type**
Reference the Pipe Marker Buying Guide above to select the best marker type for your application (Adhesive, Wrap-Around, or High-Performance).
**Step 5: Decide on Arrows**
Determine whether you need arrows to indicate flow direction. For Adhesive Markers, purchase Arrow Banding Tape or Individual Arrows separately.
**Step 6: Place Your Order**
Contact Kolbi Pipe Markers with your requirements. We offer no setup charges or minimums—you get exactly what you need, when you need it.
### Key Notes
- No setup charges or minimum order quantities
- Combine quantities across products for best pricing
- Custom markings available with fast turnaround
- All standard products are ANSI/ASME A13.1 compliant
- Submittal samples available for approval before production
### Contact Information
**Kolbi Pipe Markers**
Email: sales@kolbipipemarkers.com
Phone: 800-499-8450
Website: www.kolbipipemarkers.com
Our team is ready to help you select the right markers for your project and ensure full compliance with ANSI/ASME A13.1 standards.
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