This is how you did. There are 3 violations and you did not find any of them. Your guesses are admirable and I thank you for trying.
This goes towards proving my point that there is much more to electrical work than reading a DIY book and watching an episode of This Old House.
Ok, I do appreciate you allowing me to take the test ............. although I flunked!
But, I believe you stated this job was originally done by a professional ............ and he flunked also. That does say something!
Now, don't get me wrong, although a professional is better equipped with tools and knowledge, he does make mistakes too. I still believe the DIYer can do minor electrical jobs as well as the professional, given the right guidance/information.
I believe the real problem with a lot of professional outfits today is they know all too well that time is money. Extra time spent on a job will certainly mean the difference in neatness, as shown in your earlier post, quality and less code violations. I guess some contractors may be simply testing the "system" to see what they can get by with because of the issue of "time is money".
I have looked at MANY homes being built in our community and the neatness of the wires being pulled to the electrical panel doesn't even come close to the photo you posted. Once again, time is money! This is why I believe a homeowner will do a better job given the chance ........... it is their home!
So, my purpose of stating these things isn't meant to offend the expert, but to only show that the homeowner is more than willing to take the extra time to do the jobe neatly and correctly ........... at least that is me!
The outside panel, that some were more than happy to point out the code violations, was installed by a local electrical contractor some years back. Trust me, I will fix the problem because this is our home and I want it done correctly and neatly .......... I simply need the information and I can do the rest.
I trust the "experts" will be willing to help the DIYer complete minor task such as adding a breaker or new circuit. Otherwise, what is the real purpose of this site? ........ telling an individual to contact an electrician isn't always the answer in an economy which is full of greed and where ample "time" on a job is not allowed.
I certainly do hope I haven't offended anyone here, as I felt the need to add a few comments on behalf of the DIYer.
And by the way, will someone let us know what the code violations are in the earlier photo???