Which of the following statements about fuses is TRUE?

Fuses are critical safety devices in electrical systems, and the statement regarding their design to prevent overloading and short circuits is accurate. Fuses work by containing a metal wire or filament that melts when excessive current flows through them, thus interrupting the electrical circuit. This melting action protects the circuit from damage caused by overcurrent situations, such as overloads and short circuits, effectively safeguarding both the electrical appliances and the wiring within a given system.

In contrast to this, other statements do not hold true for fuses. For instance, fuses do not provide continuous power under all conditions; rather, they react to specific electrical faults. Once a fuse has blown due to an overload or short circuit, it must be replaced, as they cannot be reused immediately. Additionally, while fuses are widely used in residential wiring, they are also prevalent in various commercial and industrial applications, making the claim that they are only used in residential wiring inaccurate. Thus, the affirmation about their role in preventing overloading and short circuits stands out as the only true statement in the context of fuses.