LamacoidsUSAEngraved plastic valve tags
Pipe markers in the ASME A13.1 color scheme, sized by outside diameter with flow arrows, and numbered valve tags with chain holes.
Ordering opens soon. You can design tags and see USD prices in the builder today. For a quote now, email orders@lamacoidusa.com.
The ASME A13.1 color scheme
ASME A13.1-2020 assigns colors by what the pipe carries:
| Contents | Colors |
|---|---|
| Fire quenching fluids | White on red |
| Toxic and corrosive fluids | Black on orange |
| Flammable and oxidizing fluids | Black on yellow |
| Combustible fluids | White on brown |
| Potable, cooling, boiler feed and other water | White on green |
| Compressed air | White on blue |
| User-defined | White on purple, white on black, white on gray or black on white |
Letter height and marker length by pipe OD
| Outside diameter (incl. insulation) | Min. letter height | Min. marker length |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4 to 1-1/4 in | 1/2 in | 8 in |
| 1-1/2 to 2 in | 3/4 in | 8 in |
| 2-1/2 to 6 in | 1-1/4 in | 12 in |
| 8 to 10 in | 2-1/2 in | 24 in |
| Over 10 in | 3-1/2 in | 32 in |
Measure over the insulation, not the bare pipe. Markers go near valves and branches, at changes in direction, where pipes pass through walls or floors, and at regular intervals on straight runs. The builder's pipe mode sets these sizes for you.
Flow arrows
Every marker should show the direction of flow. The builder adds an arrow at one or both ends, or engraves a separate arrow tag in the same colors for runs where the marker text has to stay readable from both sides.
Valve tags with numbering and chain holes
Valve tags are usually round (1-1/2 or 2 inch) or rectangular, with a service abbreviation on top (CHW, HHW, DCW, FP) and the valve number below. A hole at the top takes a brass chain or S-hook. Use 1/8 inch for tags that hang on a chain, since they flex less and the hole is less likely to tear out.
Valve chart and schedule import
Load the valve schedule as a spreadsheet, one row per valve, and the builder makes a tag for each. Keep a copy of the same schedule as the valve chart for the mechanical room. Inspectors and building engineers will look for it.
Common questions
What colors does ASME A13.1 use?
White on red for fire quenching, black on orange for toxic and corrosive, black on yellow for flammable and oxidizing, white on brown for combustible, white on green for water, white on blue for compressed air, and white on purple, black, gray or black on white for user-defined services.
What size pipe marker do I need?
It depends on the outside diameter including insulation. A 2-1/2 to 6 inch pipe needs letters at least 1-1/4 inch high on a marker at least 12 inches long. See the table above for every size range.
How are valve tags attached?
Most valve tags hang from the valve handle or stem on a brass bead chain or an S-hook through a hole at the top of the tag.
Can you engrave from my valve schedule?
Yes. Load the schedule in the builder as a spreadsheet, or email it and we will set up the tags.
Related
Pipe marking references are to ASME A13.1-2020, reviewed on 2026-10-14. Project specs and owner standards often add their own colors and abbreviations. Check yours before ordering.