A new method for trouble call analysis in low voltage distribution systems based on set covering theory and the tabu search (TS) technique is proposed. First, a new mathematical model for the trouble call analysis is developed based upon customer trouble calls, taking into account the protective device location, selectivity and operation possibility in the distribution network protection schema. Secondly, a new method is presented to solve this problem using a TS-based method to efficiently search for the protective device(s) that was the most likely to have operated. Finally, a sample distribution system is used to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the developed method. Test results suggest that the developed TS-based method is efficient.