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Summary This paper presents a general framework to determine the location and capacity limits of distributed generation (DG) in the distribution system (DS) in order to maintain the traditional protection scheme. The impacts of DG penetration on overcurrent protection coordination are analyzed including fuse–recloser and recloser–relay. The minimum boundary of DG penetration in distribution system and the effects of modifying the setting of overcurrent protective devices have been investigated. Applying this framework in the developing countries could save money and time during integration of DGs to the network on a large scale based on country regulation. The proposed framework is implemented on a typical 11 kV overhead distribution feeder using Matlab/Simulink® and Etap® simulation packages. Protective device coordination under different fault locations and types with and without the DG is investigated. The results show the possibility of minimizing network power losses and improving voltage profile without replacing the existing protection system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.