The provision of suitable overcurrent protection for distribution systems at low cost is an important problem, for upon the satisfactory solution of that problem depends the continuity of service of a great many consumers of electric energy; consequently, the relations of a public utility company with its customers also depend upon adequate overcurrent protection. This paper presents a discussion of the various trends in overcurrent protection, with the aim of providing for the distribution engineer some basis for selecting the particular protective system best suited to his particular requirements.