One result of the rising standard of reliability of electrical distribution systems has been to enhance the importance of the busbars in such systems. The paper draws attention to the prevalent inadequacy of the protective arrangements of those busbars in an analysis of the character of the protection given to them as an incidental feature of the protection applied to elements other than the busbars; and contrasts this with the protection afforded by schemes specially developed for application to the busbars themselves. The desirable attributes of such specialized schemes are discussed and some of the principles employed are described and illustrated by examples. A guide to the choice of a suitable scheme for a variety of cases is given, together with some recommendations concerning supplementary measures designed to limit and localize the damage consequent on busbar faults, and to facilitate repairs.