Louis, Missouri, for example, managers have cut costs 50% while finding new growth in the dying electrical fuse business (most new homes are built with circuit breakers, not fuses).

FORBES: Attractive And Available

The degrading can cut the electrical connection between the trunk-mounted battery and the fuse box at the front the resulting loss of electrical power can cause the engines to stall unexpectedly.

FORBES: After 130,000 in 2010, BMW Recalls Another 569,000 Vehicles

Some Toyota hybrids could stop in their tracks because of an electrical problem leading to a blown fuse, the company warned early this morning.

FORBES: Toyota and Lexus Hybrids Recalled

Its research also suggests many UK adults do not have adequate protection from electrical fires - less than half of those surveyed (49%) have a Residual Current Device in their fuse box, a safety device which minimises the risk of fire by cutting off the power in the event of a fault.

BBC: 'Blunder' fires increasing say Electrical Safety Council