Right, that's what I meant (i.e. the earth wire sticking out of cable end is "unnecessary long" if it is the same length as L/N). However, it is very unusual i

Right, that's what I meant (i.e. the earth wire sticking out of cable end is "unnecessary long" if it is the same length as L/N). However, it is very unusual if the cable comes loose from the plug casing.