Fusible link ????

RB,
Better than a fuse is a cct breaker [ CB ] to replace the FL.
If you decide to keep the FL & lengthen the wires, then the CSA of the new wire needs to be increased in proportion to the length to keep resistance [ & current loss ] to a minimum. Too much resistance would stop the FL from working, could cause a fire from wires heating up.
Same would apply to the use of a fuse or CB.