Cross connections and standpipe risers must be painted what color?

• A. Blue
• B. Red
• C. Green
• D. Yellow

Answer: (B)

Color coding is used to quickly identify what a piping line carries. For fire protection systems, red is the standard color used to mark lines that supply water for firefighting. Cross connections and standpipe risers are part of this fire protection network, so painting them red helps firefighters and maintenance personnel recognize them immediately and avoid confusion with other service lines. This practice supports safety and code compliance by making these critical lines obvious during emergencies and routine inspections. The other colors are typically reserved for non-fire protection systems (like potable water or other utilities), so they would not be appropriate for cross connections and standpipe risers.