WHY IS THE EARTH FAULT CURRENT ALWAYS LESS THAN THE NORMAL CURRENT?
It need not be! In fact, in solidly grounded systems, the single-phase to earth fault current is equal to or even more than the three phase short circuit current. Actually, only the settings in the earth fault relay are less than 100% of the rated current. This is only to avoid any shock risk due to touch voltages. Even an earth fault current 5% of the feeder rated current can develop sufficient voltage at the enclosure terminals as to harm the operator. It all depends upon the resistance/impedance of the earth fault loop.
