ASD ISM 1822 Standardised colour for wall outlet boxes
What it says
Wall outlet boxes for individual systems use a consistent colour.
Quoted as published. Everything else on this page is written by Control Stack.
What it means
In plain EnglishEnsure wall outlet boxes have the same colour for each system for consistency.
This control is about using the same colour for wall outlet boxes for each system in your organisation. Having consistent colours helps people quickly identify which system an outlet belongs to, reducing the risk of mistakenly connecting to the wrong network, which might lead to data breaches or operational issues.
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Why it matters
Inconsistent outlet box colours can cause incorrect patching between systems, leading to cross-connection, network disruption, and potential unauthorised access.
How to implement
The IT team should decide on a set of standard colours for wall outlet boxes assigned to different systems, like the main network, guest network, or any other critical system.
Discuss and agree upon these colours with relevant stakeholders, including facility managers, so everyone is on the same page.
Facility managers should ensure all new wall outlet installations follow the agreed colour standards.
Provide contractors with a detailed specification sheet that outlines the colour to be used for each type of system outlet.
The IT staff should periodically inspect existing wall outlets to identify any that do not conform to the standardised colour system.
Use these inspection findings to plan necessary corrections or updates.
Office managers should coordinate with the IT team to label wall outlets with their intended system and corresponding colour.
This helps reinforce the standardisation and provides a visual cue to anyone using the outlets.
Procurement officers should include the standardised colour requirements in all cabling and wiring contracts.
Ensure that the specifications are clear in the purchase orders and that suppliers understand the importance of this requirement.
Keep it running
Periodically inspect outlet boxes to confirm colours match the standard and system documentation; update labels promptly after changes to prevent mispatching between systems.
Evidence and audit
- Check 1 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
To see the wall outlet colour coding policy: Request a copy of the policy document that outlines the standardised colours for outlet boxes.
Look at
The document to ensure it lists specific colours for specific systems.
Good evidence
A clear, concise policy that is up-to-date and contains colours matched to systems.
- Check 2 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
A recent inspection report: Request a report or record of a recent inspection of wall outlets.
Look at
The report for any notes on non-compliant outlet boxes and actions taken.
Good evidence
An inspection report dated within the last 6 months with no unresolved issues.
- Check 3 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Installation contracts: Request copies of contracts with service providers responsible for wall outlet installations.
Look at
Clauses that specify wall outlet colour requirements.
Good evidence
Contracts explicitly detailing colour standards for different systems.
- Check 4 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
To see photographic evidence: Request photos of a sample of wall outlets in different areas of the organisation.
Look at
The photos to ensure they correctly display the standardised colours according to policy.
Good evidence
Photos that clearly show compliant outlet colours.
- Check 5 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Records of stakeholder meetings: Request minutes or notes from meetings where wall outlet colour standards were discussed and agreed upon.
Look at
The records for discussions and decisions on colour standards.
Good evidence
Meeting records showing agreement on colour codes and relevant stakeholders' involvement.
Mappings
No mappings to other frameworks are recorded for this control yet.