Did it really need an earth?

[brianmoooore]

If this was installed in the '80s, it did not meet the regs at the time of installation.
I would notify the customer in writing that I consider the installation to be dangerous even if it was installed much earlier, and did meet the regs at that time.

 

[westward10]

Without further info we have no idea if an earth was required.

 

[brianmoooore]

Without further info we have no idea if an earth was required.

OP says it dates from the '80s.

 

[westward10]

OP says it dates from the '80s.

Very true but more info will confirm things.