How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. Joe Tedesco, who has a knack for finding shoddy electrical work, did the dirty work and found this mess. Now it's your turn to identify the violation.
The use of an extension cord as a permanent wiring method in this manner is not permitted. Looks like the method of support can be questioned as well because of the way in which it was made.
240.5(B)(3) does permit the use of field-assembled extension cord sets. “Flexible cord used in listed extension cord sets shall be considered to be protected when applied within the extension cord listing requirements.” Additionally requirements are noted in 240.5(B)(4). “Flexible cord used in extension cords made with separately listed and installed components shall be permitted to be supplied by a branch circuit in accordance with the following: 20-ampere circuits — 16 AWG and larger.”