This paper proposes an expert system which can enhance the accuracy of real-time bus reconfiguration strategy by adopting local minimum tree search method and minimize the spreading effect of the fault by considering totally the operating condition when a main transformer fault occurs in the automated substation. The local minimum tree search method to expand the best-first search method. This method has an advantage which can improve the performance of solution within the limits of the real-time condition. The inference strategy proposed expert system consists of two stages. The first stage determines the switching candidate set by searching possible switching candidates starting from the main transformer or busbar related to the event. And, second stage determines the rational real-time bus reconfiguration strategy based on heuristic rules for the obtained switching candidate set. Also, this paper studies the generalized distribution substation modelling using graph theory and a substation database is designed based on the study result. The inference engine of the expert system and the substation database is implemented in MFC function of Visual C++. Finally, the performance and effectiveness of the proposed expert system is verified by comparing the best-first search solution and local minimum tree search solution based on diversity event simulations for typical distribution substation.