The first is ... as is common ... the shoddy work was done by another trade, not an electrician. A well-meaning, self-taught guy perhaps ... but his lack of training really shows.
Sounds like my school, the HVAC/R, GC, welding and (gasp) plumbing and carpentry shops teach limited electrical. Compare their work to our shop's though, and the difference is obvious. Principal keeps telling everyone (besides HVAC/R and GC/Building Trades) to stop doing electrical, but that never works.
This sounds like PA, and Falls Township where I live. No state licensing, and permits get deleted every six months if there's no activity on them. The only things they send a letter out for is fireplaces and additions. It's all up to the neighbors to report everything else, and that never happens.
Ian A.
