There are several events that take place within a fuse during an abnormal overcurrent event. The fuse element begins as a solid material, and as an overcurrent event occurs, the element begins to melt. If the overcurrent event contains enough energy within a sufficient amount of time, the element will melt to the point where separation begins. As the separation of the element occurs, arcing will begin and will cause further burn-back of the fuse element. The arcing continues until the arc no longer can sustain itself and is extinguished, resulting in a safe, permanent opening of the fuse.