Powder-Actuated Tools Power Levels

• MIOSHA requires that the power level for cased or caseless loads be identified by a specific color and numbering system given in Table 1. 
• Caseless loads are limited to power levels 1 to 6.
• The combination of the case color and load color will designate the load level.
• Both the explosive load and the carton or box shall provide visual indication of the load level.

Identification of Cased Loads

Power Level	Color Identification: Case	Color Identification: Load	Nominal Velocity* (+,- 45 fps)
1	Brass	Gray	300
2	Brass	Brown	390
3	Brass	Green	480
4	Brass	Yellow	570
5	Brass	Red	660
6	Brass	Purple	750
7	Nickel	Gray	840
8	Nickel	Brown	930
9	Nickel	Green	1020
10	Nickel	Yellow	1110
11	Nickel	Red	1200
12	Nickel	Purple	1290

*The nominal velocity applies to 3/8 inch diameter 350-grain ballistic slug fired in a test device and has no reference to actual fastener velocity developed in any specific size or type of tool.