How explosive cannonballs were fused

How were explosive cannonballs fused compared with solid shot?

They used crude time-delay arrangements such as fusing plugs or rope fuses lit before loading, which made them difficult and dangerous to handle.

Explosive cannonballs required a simple time fuse rather than the straightforward handling of solid shot. Fusing plugs and early rope fuses lit before loading gave a crude delay, but such ammunition was difficult to maintain and dangerous to keep aboard an age-of-sail warship. The exchange shows why explosive projectiles were far less routine than later depictions imply.