A telephony distribution system includes a plurality of terminals with two connection points (16A), each for one pair of conductors (17A) forming part of a telephony distribution installation, and, for each of those terminals (16A), a short-circuit manager (25) including a substitution current source (26), a switch (27) and control means (28-31) for causing the switch (27) normally to assume a position in which its output terminal (34) is connected to an input terminal (32) itself connected to a pair of conductors (13, 15) providing a telephone line and to cause the switch (27). In the event of a short-circuit between the two connection points of the terminal (16A) concerned, to assume a second position in which that terminal is connected to the auxiliary current source (26).