Color Coding

DOE-STD-1044-93

COLOR CODING

Color coding may be used in a number of ways to enhance the labeling of equipment and piping,

as discussed below. When color coding is used, it should be applied consistently and have only

one meaning for each color or combination.

Highlighting Critical Component Controls or Groups of Controls

One common use of label color coding is to provide easy recognition of critical controls, such as

emergency stop or emergency shutdown controls. The use of red-on-white or white-on-red labels

for these controls can set them apart from the standard labels used on the remainder of the control

panel. To further accentuate critical controls or groups of controls, red functional demarcation

lines can be used in association with red labels.

Associating Related Controls and Displays

The design of some control panels places gauges, meters, and other quantitative displays on an

upper section of the panel and the associated controls on the lower section of the panel. Color

coding can be used to help operators rapidly make the correct associations between

control-display pairs. Methods include:

Color-coded display bezels or labels, with matching color control handles or labels

Color-coded paint patches on the control panel surface surrounding displays and

controls.

Showing Functional Demarcation of Controls

Functionally related groups of control panel components can be identified by using taped

demarcation lines or the "paint patch" or "color patch" method. When using taped demarcation

lines, standard operating controls may be grouped using one color (e.g., black lines), critical

controls using another (e.g., red lines), and annunciator controls using a third (e.g., orange or

yellow lines), as illustrated in Figure B-1. The "paint patch" or "color patch" method (see Figure

B-2) usually consists of a different color background on the control panel for each system,

matching the paint colors used on facility components and piping.

Use of demarcation lines that are too bold, or extensive use of color in either of the above

methods, can result in a control panel that is visually overwhelming. Consultation with graphic

arts or visual communication arts personnel may help avoid problems in this area. Facilities

B-3