is it a legitimate issue or just a code violation? that splice from the white to orange cable is a violation. I'm not sure if the long length on exposed wire near the ballast is a violation, but I wouldn't strip them that far. Also there's some UGC "unidentified Green Crap"

Hmm let's see:

- No junction box
- Exposed bulb
- Spliced extension cord
- Rather doubtful hanging method (a cord... LOL)

Anything else?

-a splice from a #14 extension cord to #12 Romex and then extension cord has a replacement plug? But maybe that's legit since the replacement plug's screws are rusted in place? I couldn't undo them either, so when I rewired it (NOTE: I didn't do the wiring you see here) I also spliced the cord until I can get a replacement plug...
Yeah, exposed bulb...doubt mine are open-rated too...but if it goes in my garage it isn't a public place and if the bulb broke/color shifted/started acting weird then I'd turn it off immediately and replace it.
It must have been hing by the rope....which I removed and will devise something else. Right now it's location is the floor.
I'll post a pic of the improved wiring...give me a minute...

Technically these 400W MH lamps can be burned base up or down +/- 15° , S rated meaning if turned off once a week for 15 mins then they're safe, for some reason the other lamp wattage are not rated for open use and must have a cover or internal lamp shroud

That's what I thought...I'll have to look...

I spy a 1Kw MV lamp in the back.

1 KW MH that is...
Is it bad to run a type "R" lamp in a non-enclosed fixture? Like it's not in a gym or anyplace where it could get broken but I wonder about UV rays escaping since it's not open-rated...am I just being paranoid?