This paper presents a transient analysis of various configurations of DC distribution systems. A combination of theoretical and practical methods were used to investigate the behavior of the system's variables after the occurrence of faults and the protection operation. A number of networks of varying complexity were built with detailed cable models using the EMTP/ATP software package in order to simulate a multitude of faults and assess each network's response at various positions and most crucially, the effectiveness of the protection scheme in reducing the impact of the transients after the fault. The travel speed of the transients was also investigated. At the same time, a set of measurements was conducted on a DC street lighting network to study the transient behavior of a real system. Another model was built to resemble the measured system, in order to compare between the simulation and measurement results. Finally, the evaluation of the measurement and simulation results leads to conclusions that will contribute to the creation of better, safer and more versatile DC distribution grids.