How does a fuse work to prevent damage in case of overloading or short-circuiting?

A fuse prevents damage in electrical circuits by interrupting the flow of current in case of overloading or short-circuiting. Comprising a thin wire made of a material with a low melting point, the fuse is connected in series with the circuit. During normal operation, the current heats the wire insignificantly. However, in case of excessive current, as in overloading or short circuits, the wire quickly overheats and melts, breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity. This interruption prevents further damage by isolating the faulty segment and safeguarding appliances or devices connected to the circuit.