What is the colour code for chilled water pipes?

Sea Green ground colour (IS 5 Shade 217).

How is steam piping identified?

Aluminium ground colour according to IS 2339.

What is the standard colour for fire fighting water lines?

Fire Red ground colour (IS 5 Shade 536).

What colour is used for compressed air lines?

Sky Blue ground colour (IS 5 Shade 101).

IS 2379

: 1977

Method for Estimation of Thermal Conductivity of Materials

CurrentEssentialCode of PracticeBIMMEP · HVAC and Air Conditioning

Archive.org BIS Portal Google

This standard outlines the uniform colour coding system for identifying pipelines carrying various fluids in industrial and commercial facilities. It defines ground colours for basic contents and colour bands for specific services or hazards to ensure safety and ease of maintenance.

Specifies the method for determining the thermal conductivity of various materials, relevant for insulation.

Quick Reference Values

Water pipeline ground colourSea Green (Shade 217)

Steam pipeline ground colourAluminium

Compressed air ground colourSky Blue (Shade 101)

Flammable liquids ground colourLight Brown (Shade 410)

Gases ground colourCanary Yellow (Shade 309)

Fire fighting water ground colourFire Red (Shade 536)

Colour band width (pipe dia < 50mm)25 mm

Colour band width (pipe dia 50-100mm)50 mm

Practical Notes

Ground colours can be applied along the entire length or as wide bands near valves and junctions.

Colour bands must be superimposed on ground colours to distinguish specific uses (e.g., chilled vs. hot water).

Always refer to IS 5 for the exact paint shade numbers to ensure consistency across the project.