11 bundles of 5 Amp copper fuse wire. Dumbell-shaped cardboard holder with fuse wire wrapped around central section.

Part of the Bob Gray collection of electrical objects.

Fuse wire was used to make a deliberately weak link in an electrical circuit which would fail in the event of an electrical overload, thus preventing damage to life or property. Fuse wire is no longer available for DIY purchase in the UK. Re-wirable fuses are no longer installed. It was unsafe as incorrect fitting or materials prevented the system from fusing when there was a potential problem.