The standardization of black and white wires on the DC side, with black being positive and white being negative, is a controversial issue that has both pros and cons.

Pros



Consistency

It provides a consistent color coding scheme for DC wiring, making it easier for electricians to identify and work with.

Safety

By using black for positive and white for negative, it follows the same color coding convention used for AC wiring, which can help prevent confusion and accidents.

Code compliance

Some electrical codes require the use of black for positive and white for negative in certain applications.

Cons



Reversal of convention

It reverses the traditional color coding convention for DC, where red is positive and black is negative. This can be confusing for electricians who are accustomed to the old convention.

Safety concerns

Using white as the negative conductor can create a safety hazard if it is mistaken for the grounded conductor (usually white in AC systems). This could lead to electrical shocks or equipment damage.

Confusion with GFDI operation

As you mentioned, when an inverter allows for negative ground operation, the white wire becomes the ungrounded conductor carrying high DC voltage. This can be very confusing for electricians who are not familiar with this configuration.

Recommendation:

While the standardization of black and white on the DC side has some potential benefits, the potential safety concerns and confusion it creates should be carefully considered. It is important for manufacturers and electrical codes to establish clear guidelines and training to ensure that electricians are properly equipped to work with this new color coding scheme.Given the potential risks, it may be more prudent to suggest an alternative color coding scheme that is less confusing and safer, such as using red for positive and black for negative, or using a different color (e.g., blue) for the negative conductor to avoid confusion with the grounded conductor. Flag for review