4-Plex home wiring
It may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but the photo demonstrates a homeowner DIY project that creates an unsafe situation. At this home inspection I found that a previous homeowner had taken on a remodel project in the basement. The front half of the basement had been finished to include a bedroom and family room. The back half of the basement remained storage, utility and a small bathroom.
While inspecting the electrical system I found that the electrical power to the finished bedroom and family room was provided via this 4-plex outlet located at the ceiling in the utility room area. The DIY electrician simply ran the electrical outlet and lighting for the front half of the basement up to the 4-plex outlet, terminated the wiring with a replacement plug, typically used to repair an extension cord. The electrical panel was full and had no room for additional breakers, so I guess this seemed like an excellent solution.
The problem lies in the fact that the panel, as well as this basement circuit were over loaded. In addition using an extension cord repair plug as part of a permanent electrical circuit. Both of these conditions pose a potential hazard. My recommendation to the buyer was to have an electrician assess the electrical system and provide recommendations to resolve these issues.