Abstract: A fuse assembly comprising a fuse element and a fuse cavity are formed integrally with the body of a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV). Melting of the fuse element forms fused material which flows into the fuse cavity. The molten material electrically joins the metalization films on each side of the MOV which causes the MOV to fail shorted before the MOV can overheat and fracture from over voltage caused by excessive transient voltages. The fuse element has the current carrying capability to allow a resultant current to flow which will cause the primary circuit protection device (fuse or circuit breaker) to open. This provides protection against a violent fracture of the MOV and a MOV that can no longer function because it has opened and is undetected.