Colour Restrictions for Wall Outlet Boxes
Wall outlet boxes must not be coloured salmon pink or red to ensure proper classification.
Plain language
This control is about making sure that wall outlet boxes, which are used for network connections, are not coloured salmon pink or red. This matters because consistent colouring helps quickly identify the purpose or security level of the outlet, avoiding mistakes that could lead to a mix-up of sensitive information or create security breaches.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
NC, OS, P
ISM last updated
Nov 2024
Control Stack last updated
19 Mar 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Section
Cabling infrastructureTopic
Wall Outlet Box ColoursOfficial control statement
Non-classified, OFFICIAL: Sensitive and PROTECTED wall outlet boxes are coloured neither salmon pink nor red.
Why it matters
If outlet boxes are salmon pink or red, they may be mistaken for higher classifications, causing incorrect handling and potential exposure of OFFICIAL: Sensitive or PROTECTED systems.
Operational notes
Inspect outlet boxes during installs and routine checks to confirm those serving non-classified, OFFICIAL: Sensitive or PROTECTED areas are not salmon pink or red; rectify any incorrect colours.
Implementation tips
- Facilities management staff should ensure that any new wall outlet boxes ordered are not in salmon pink or red. This can be done by listing acceptable colours in purchasing documents and communicating with suppliers ahead of time.
- IT team members should conduct a visual check of existing wall outlets to ensure compliance. They should walk through the office space, noting any non-compliant coloured outlets in order to plan for their replacement.
- Procurement officers should verify the colour specifications before finalising purchases for wall outlet boxes. This involves reviewing product catalogues and confirming that only approved colours are ordered.
- Office managers should coordinate with the IT department to label or replace any non-compliant wall outlet boxes. This may involve scheduling a time that minimises disruption to staff.
- The company safety officer should add the colour restriction to the office safety manual. This will ensure that personnel involved in renovation or IT set-ups are aware of and comply with the colour requirements.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskThe purchase orders for wall outlets: Their documentation should show compliance with the colour requirement GoodShows no orders for salmon pink or red boxes
- AskTo see the office layout map indicating wall outlet locations and their purposes: Check for any colour codes or descriptions GoodClearly shows compliance with the approved colours throughout the map
- GoodWill include only the approved colours
- AskTo inspect a randomly selected wall outlet: Check the actual colour against the approved list GoodResult would show that none are coloured salmon pink or red
- GoodIncludes records of corrective measures taken for any found issues
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1107 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| layers Partially meets (2) expand_less | ||
| Annex A 5.13 | ISM-1107 requires that Non-classified, OFFICIAL: Sensitive and PROTECTED wall outlet boxes are not coloured salmon pink or red to avoid m... | |
| Annex A 7.3 | ISM-1107 mandates a facility visual-identification convention by prohibiting salmon pink or red colouring on certain wall outlet boxes to... | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.