the BX octopus

Doubled box, probably passed code back in the day when that was done back in the late thirties or early 40's. Keep in mind, we were still recovering from one war and a depression, and getting ready for another, so home inspection was not like it is today. Also, the trades were more pro-active in the fact that you had guys that grew up around this stuff, and could spend 20 years before they went out on their own or became master Carpenters/Electricians/Plumbers.

Now if that stuff is newer, then yes you have a rookie doing the job.

If all cables are 14/2 and the box and extention ring are 1 1/2" deep then it is still code compliant today.

I guess that makes it a BX decapus.

A friend told me it looks like Doc Oc from Spiderman.