A fuse is a safety device used with electricity that includes and may possibly consist of a wire and a strip of metal.
This metal melts and is able to interrupt or open the circuit when the current flowing through it exceeds specific amperage. The use of Bussman fuses will effectively protect the entire electrical circuit that the fuse is integrated in. The current stops at the fuse and is unable to reach the other components or wiring.
Bussman fuses are not the only things available through the company though. They also offer products in the market of fuse holders as well as other products involved in surge and over current protection. Fuse panels combine multiple fuses in one convenient, simple location for easy access and frequent changing such as when it comes to automobiles and the frequent needs to replace burnt out fuses that may be present. Bussman fuses and most other types as well, are relatively light weight and cheap depending on the purpose intended for them.
Fuses generally operate in two different types. The first is the slow blow type of fuse. They have a coiled construction inside of them which does not blow as soon as current is overloaded but it requires a continued overload. This would be present in a short circuit for example. The coils will prevent the fuse from constantly blowing from an electrical charge, such as when an appliance is turned on. This creates a surge of power.
The other way that a fuse is able to operate is called fast acting. These fuse types operate exactly as their name states. They will respond to an overload of current as soon as it is sent through. This causes the fast acting fuse to open the circuit up immediately and will protect the circuit. These are especially useful when it comes to analog meter movements.
You should be able to find Bussman fuses in both of these types. It is very important to never use a slow blow fuse in place of one that should be fast acting. You can do the reverse, although you may experience a few blown fuses due to power surcharges once an appliance is turned on for the first time for example. In order to be safe and maintain functionality, it is best to always use the fuse type that is meant for each application and appliance that you are replacing the fuses for.