Re: flex cords
200.7 C(3) Where a flexible cord, having one conductor identified by a white or gray outer finish or three continuous white stripes or by any other means permitted by 400.22, is used for connecting an appliance or equipment permitted by 400.7. This shall apply to flexible cords connected to outlets whether or not the outlet is supplied by a circuit that has a grounded conductor.
FPN: The color gray may have been used in the past as an ungrounded conductor. Care should be taken when working on existing systems
According to the above article, you would not have to identify white conductor as a phase conductor.