Old style fuse boxes may be fitted with fuses that that can be rewired. It is important to remember to use the correct fuse wire for the circuit it is protecting.
Cartridge fuses protect the appliance in the event too high a current is drawn from the mains. The cartridge fuse is fitted with a fine strip of wire which melts if the current is too large. However, different appliances are protected by fuses with different Ampere ratings.