Pipe Identification Tape
Self-adhesive vinyl laminated with clear polypropylene protection film, manufactured to BS1710 and BS4800, in widths from 50mm to 150mm.
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What Pipe Identification Tape Does
Pipe ID tape marks pipelines so anyone working near them knows what flows inside. That matters for safe maintenance, emergency response, and regulatory compliance. Guessing what runs through a pipe is not an option on a live site.
The tape wraps around the pipe and adheres to itself and the pipe surface. The self-adhesive vinyl base grips smooth metal and painted surfaces firmly. The clear polypropylene lamination protects the print against handling, cleaning fluids, and surface condensation.
BS1710 Colour Coding System
BS1710 assigns base identification colours to each pipe medium. These are the standard codes:
| Medium | BS1710 Base Colour |
|---|---|
| Water | Green |
| Steam | Silver-grey |
| Oils (mineral, vegetable, animal) | Brown |
| Gases | Yellow ochre |
| Acids and alkalis | Violet |
| Air | Light blue |
| Other liquids | Black |
| Electrical services | Orange |
| Fire-fighting services | Red |
Pipes carrying hazardous substances use the base colour plus a safety colour band. The standard also specifies band widths, label positions, and the use of directional arrows to show flow direction.
Width Selection Guide
Tape width should match pipe bore and the viewing distance required for the installation.
| Pipe Outside Diameter | Recommended Tape Width |
|---|---|
| Up to 50mm | 50mm |
| 50mm to 150mm | 75mm |
| 150mm to 300mm | 100mm |
| Over 300mm | 150mm |
The 50mm width suits small bore pipework in confined plant rooms. The 150mm width gives high-visibility identification on large bore mains and is suited to locations where staff may be working at distance.
Self-Adhesive vs Wrapping Tape
Self-adhesive pipe ID tape adheres directly to the pipe surface. It does not require a separate banding clip or wire tie. This makes application faster and keeps the installation profile low — important in congested plant rooms where tape bulk can interfere with insulation and lagging.
The laminate over the print means the identification remains legible even after years in service. There is no separate film to peel or re-apply.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Self-adhesive vinyl with clear polypropylene laminate |
| Widths | 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 150mm |
| Roll length | Up to 33m |
| Adhesive | Pressure-sensitive, strong-tack |
| Surface compatibility | Smooth metal, painted surfaces |
| Standards | BS1710 (pipe identification), BS4800 (colour) |
| Custom options | Colour combinations, directional arrows, custom wording |
Custom Options
Standard BS1710 colours are held in stock. Custom options include:
- Non-standard colour combinations for proprietary process identification
- Directional flow arrows printed onto the tape
- Custom wording such as medium names, pressure ratings, or hazard text
- Perforated format for consistent tear-off lengths (see laminated and perforated tape)
For sites operating their own colour-coding scheme alongside or instead of BS1710, we print to any specification. Provide your colour codes and wording and we will confirm feasibility before production.
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