What's Wrong With This Picture? Clever But Improper Homeowner Electrical Wiring

This is why I love home inspections. In one word, variety. You just never know what you'll come across next, but it's always interesting.

This homeowner needed an overhead fluorescent light in his laundry room.  Calling an electrician probably seemed more of a hassle than it was worth.  And besides he did have some electrical knowledge.

The closest electrical outlet (pictured here) was only a few feet away in the adjoining family room.  All he had to do was mount a switch on the foundation shelf downstream from the outlet. Cut, strip, and secure the wires of a newly purchased extension cord, hardwire and tape the overhead light, then plug it in. Voile! It works! Lights on demand!  Nice!

However, anytime an extension cord is hardwired into the electrical system it's considered not acceptable. This wiring configuration would be considered temporary at best.