Splices should be enclosed in approved boxes.

I really hope that skinny wire isn't carrying 120 volts....it looks almost thin enough to be telephone or door-bell wire.... [Linked Image]

Also, it seems to me that that black conductor is 300-ohm twin-lead wire used for TV and FM radio antennas. Please tell me that stuff is NOT connected to the Romex!!! [Linked Image]

At least they used the proper tape for splices. Could have been worse -- either paper "masking" tape or duct tape.