ISM-1822 ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)

Standardised Colour for Wall Outlet Boxes

Ensure wall outlet boxes have the same colour for each system for consistency.

Preventative Non-classified OFFICIAL: Sensitive PROTECTED SECRET TOP SECRET ASD Information Security Manual Guidelines for communications infrastructure Cabling security

🏛️ Framework

ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)

🧭 Control effect

Preventative

🔐 Classifications

NC, OS, P, S, TS

🗓️ ISM last updated

Feb 2023

✏️ Control Stack last updated

22 Feb 2026

🎯 E8 maturity levels

N/A

Guideline

Guidelines for communications infrastructure

Section

Cabling infrastructure

Topic

Wall Outlet Box Colours

Official control statement

Wall outlet boxes for individual systems use a consistent colour.

Source: ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)

Plain language

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.

Why it matters

Inconsistent outlet box colours can cause incorrect patching between systems, leading to cross-connection, network disruption, and potential unauthorised access.

Operational notes

Periodically inspect outlet boxes to confirm colours match the standard and system documentation; update labels promptly after changes to prevent mispatching between systems.

Implementation tips

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.

Audit / evidence tips

Ask: to see the wall outlet colour coding policy: Request a copy of the policy document that outlines the standardised colours for outlet boxes

Good: a clear, concise policy that is up-to-date and contains colours matched to systems
Ask: a recent inspection report: Request a report or record of a recent inspection of wall outlets

Good: an inspection report dated within the last 6 months with no unresolved issues
Ask: installation contracts: Request copies of contracts with service providers responsible for wall outlet installations

Good: contracts explicitly detailing colour standards for different systems
Ask: to see photographic evidence: Request photos of a sample of wall outlets in different areas of the organisation

Good: photos that clearly show compliant outlet colours
Ask: records of stakeholder meetings: Request minutes or notes from meetings where wall outlet colour standards were discussed and agreed upon

Good: meeting records showing agreement on colour codes and relevant stakeholders' involvement

Cross-framework mappings

How ISM-1822 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.

These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.

No cross-framework mappings recorded yet.