Abstract: Small plug-in electrical fuses, e.g., for automotive use are formed with a fusible link portion which is partially cut but with the walls of the cut in substantial electrical contact with each other and opposite ends of each link rigidly supported. Initial heating of the link due to current flow in excess of the fuse rating causes bending of the link to open the cut, reducing the available cross-section for current flow and therefore greatly shortening the time necessary to open the link and minimizing the total heat generated in the process.