This document presents an investigation on the location of phasor measurement units (PMU) for the detection of faults in distribution networks, through consultations in various bibliographic sources. Different techniques and algorithms used in PMUs are identified, based on conventional, heuristic and metaheuristic methods. A bibliometric analysis of the progress of research at PMU over the years to the present is also reflected, highlighting the most involved countries, academies and leading journals in this field. The study includes pseudocodes that validate various structures, functions and operations implemented for the representation and solution of algorithms in different PMU optimization and localization strategies for fault detection in distribution networks.