• Pipe banding is a form of identification for plumbing and heating pipes. These bands are color coated, and also tell maintenance people what direction the water is flowing through the pipes. Pipes can get very hot or contain flammable material, so pipe banding must follow safety protocols.
  
  

UV Resistance

• All exterior pipes that have pipe banding should have UV-resistant pipe banding. This allows for the continued clear marking of the type of pipe, typically gas or electric, without the pipe bands having to be replaced due to UV deterioration.
  
  

Hot Water Pipe Installation

• Because some pipes reach temperatures over 184 degrees Fahrenheit, hot water pipes are required to have pipe bands installed over the insulation only. Pipe bands may not come into direct contact with the hot water pipes. The pipe banding is heat wrapped or shrink wrapped to the pipe insulation so that the pipe banding is not moved along the pipe or does not come off.
  
  

British Standard

• All pipe banding must comply with BS1710:1984, which is the "British Standard" that governs proper markings, resistance to solvents and cleaners, and lack of adhesives used on pipe banding. This ensures that pipe banding is consistent across brands and avoids confusion by maintenance and repair staff.