One problem I have with the debate of fuses versus breakers is the final installation.
Fuses are tested and listed as open air devices. For proper application they must be installed in fuse holders and require an associated disconnecting means. Most 240V fusible devices are only rated at 10KA fault levels regardless of the rating of the installed fuse.
I have also seen many fusible switches which have not been exercised and so were unable to be opened when needed.
Finally, my experience has been that miniature molded case breakers (designed and built since the late 70s) are faster than fuses at clearing the low level faults encountered in residential applications. Fuses are faster at the higher level faults found in industrial settings. In fact the speed that these breakers operate at is part of the fuse-breaker coordination difficulties and why Bussmann no longer supports the up-over-and-down method of calculating fault levels.
