The Ratcliff signal generator I mentioned at the start of this thread was not earthed.

Does have a transformer. The mains wiring was so dogey removed the original mains line filter, put in a modern power lead, anchored properly and earthed.

I have seen several metal cased "Leader" signal generators with a metal case no earth and a cap to the metal case. How those got into the country, and anything like it: I do not know how it got into the country. Which goes back to the old reg of anything metal and able to become alive, having to be grounded.

The hot chassis can be severely compromised by metal shaft pots, when the knob, for any number of reasons is gone.

There is an obligation when replacing mains cable, for it to be "compliant".

https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/arlec-australia-pty-ltd-%E2%80%94-mill-electrical-convection-panel-heater-models-au-sg2000led-and-au-sg2000led-bk

One thing I would not become these days is a store manager at a place that sells imported electrical goods. The warranty claims would be absurdly high these days.

The objective with stores is to sell, sell, sell. One of the quality control measures relates to returns and one should always do it, but it should be credible. Like some battery holders & clips I bought from a certain mob renown for selling rigid, flexible cables.

The people in a place like Bunnings are there to sell, they are not there to entertain customers bring back dud stuff. while the employee is doing that, they are not selling anything, its lost time & opportunity. Therefore any product with a high frequency of "returned defective", will not be tolerated and be removed from sale permanently.

In other words selling rubbish is not cost effective nor in a companies long term best interest.

The "Infinity cable" saga is to me a prime example. You can always make wire sheathing cheaper by leaving out, or reducing expensive placticisers, but there is a penalty to pay when it is so cheap & nasty, it fails specification and fails in service. Then I will wager it became a very expensive way of maximising profit.