RAL 7004 - Signal Grey
RAL 7004 (Signal Grey) is a RAL Classic color with a HEX approximation of #969992, RGB 150, 153, 146, and CMYK 2/0/5/40. It is a gray tone typically used in architecture, machinery, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, and structural metalwork. Its closest Pantone Solid Coated match is 7538 C (Delta E 2.17), and its closest RAL neighbor is RAL 7042 (Traffic Grey A).
About RAL 7004
RAL greys are the workhorse family - they dominate industrial applications, machinery, electrical enclosures, and architectural metalwork because they age gracefully, hide wear, and blend into almost any environment.
RAL codes are administered by RAL gGmbH, a German quality-assurance institute. The RAL Classic library - 213 codes across nine hue families - is the standard for paint, powder-coat, and plastic finishes across Europe, and is used internationally wherever industrial color specification is required. Like every RAL code, RAL 7004 is defined by a physical paint swatch rather than a digital value; the HEX approximation #969992 is the most commonly-published reference, but physical paint chips are the only authoritative source.
Closest Pantone match
The closest Pantone Solid Coated color to RAL 7004 is 7538 C (#949A90), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 2.17. This is a very close match suitable for most print reproduction needs.
Closest RAL Classic neighbors
These RAL codes are perceptually closest to RAL 7004, sorted by Delta E 2000. Codes within the same family differ by Delta E 2-8 typically - siblings rather than duplicates.
Where RAL 7004 is used
RAL 7004 is typically specified in architecture, machinery, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, and structural metalwork. Its gray tone makes it appropriate wherever a neutral, architectural, or structural palette is wanted. Before specifying RAL 7004 for a production run, verify the color against a physical RAL swatch under the actual lighting conditions and finish (matte, semi-gloss, gloss) that will be used - the same code looks meaningfully different across substrates.
Frequently asked questions
What is RAL 7004 in HEX?
RAL 7004 (Signal Grey) has a HEX approximation of #969992. This is the widely-published mid-range value - RAL is a physical paint standard, and different reference sources vary by 2-5% for the same code. #969992 is close to every commonly-published reference for RAL 7004.
What is RAL 7004 in RGB?
RAL 7004 converts to RGB 150, 153, 146. Its CMYK print approximation is 2/0/5/40. These values are approximations for design reference - always verify against a physical RAL swatch before production, because paint and ink reflect light very differently.
What Pantone color is closest to RAL 7004?
The closest Pantone Solid Coated match to RAL 7004 is 7538 C (#949A90), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 2.17. This is a very close match and is likely suitable for print reproduction.
What RAL color is closest to RAL 7004?
The closest RAL Classic neighbors to RAL 7004 are RAL 7042 (Traffic Grey A, Delta E 2.7), RAL 9022 (Pearl Light Grey, Delta E 4.6), RAL 7045 (Telegrey 1, Delta E 5.1). RAL codes within the same family typically differ by Delta E 2-8 - close enough to feel like siblings, distinct enough to be visibly different on a physical swatch.
Where is RAL 7004 commonly used?
RAL 7004 is typically used in architecture, machinery, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, and structural metalwork. Its gray tone makes it suitable for neutral, architectural, and structural applications. Verify with a physical swatch under the actual lighting and finish conditions before specifying for a production run.