Surface mount fuses are an electrical component that are typically used to protect against over-current in an electrical circuit by detecting an overload or short circuit and then disconnecting the circuit. They work by containing a tiny length of special wire or component called the fusible element, which is designed to melt and open the circuit when the current flowing through it reaches a specific level. Surface mount fuses are smaller and occupy less space than traditional, through-hole mounted fuses, and due to their low profile and small size, they can be more easily integrated into the design and construction of almost any type of electrical or electronic circuit. Additionally, they are often used in applications that require an increased amount of protection due to the fact that they can be mounted directly onto a printed circuit board, providing superior protection from shock or vibration.