UTILITY COLOR CODE

Utility Location & Coordination Council Uniform Color Code

RED Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables
YELLOW Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
ORANGE Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit
BLUE Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines
GREEN Sewers and Drain Lines
WHITE Proposed Excavation


This marking guide provides for universal use and understanding of the temporary marking of subsurface facilities to prevent accidental damage or service interruption by contractors, utility companies or any others working on or near those underground facilities.

Use of Markings

Use color-coded surface marks (paint or similar coating) to indicate the location and route of buried lines. To increase visibility, color- coded vertical markers (temporary stakes or flags) should supplement surface marks. All marks and markers should indicate the name, initials, or logo of the company that owns or operates the line and the width of the facility if it is greater than 5mm (2"). If the surface over the buried line is to be removed, supplemental offset markings may be used. Offset markings should be on a uniform alignment and must clearly indicate that the actual facility is a specific distance away.

Proposed Excavation

Use white marks to show the location or boundary of proposed excavation. Surface marks on roadways should not exceed 40mm by 500mm (11/2" by 18"). The facility color may be added to white flags or stakes.

Adopt Uniform Color Code

The American Public Works Association encourages public agencies, utilities, contractors, other association, manufacturers and all other involved in excavation to adopt the ULCC Uniform Color Code using ANSI standard Z53.1 Safety Colors as shown above.
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