Dictionary of Shredder Terms

Auto On/Off:

Shredding action starts automatically when paper is inserted into the feed opening and stops after the paper has been completely shredded. It is controlled by the paper contacting a mechanical sensor or by breaking a light barrier.

 

Bag full indicator:

         A feature on some shredders that indicate when the shredder is full and needs the bag changed.

 

Bag Full-Auto Off:

When the waste bag or bin reaches a pre-set level, a sensor turns the shredding action off. This is accompanied by an audible and visible warning. This feature is available on select models.

Bin:    The receptacle for the shredded paper.

Capacity:

The number of 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper that can be shredded at one time. Generally shown as two numbers, the first using 20 lb paper and the second using 16 lb paper. These numbers are only a guideline. Paper quality, type of paper and atmospheric conditions can effect the capacity rating

Casters:  

           Wheels to make moving the shredders easier.

Cross Cut:

Documents are cut in two directions producing small particles. The size of these particles offer greater security and are self compacting, which reduces overall bulk.

Feed Width (Throat):

The size of the opening where paper is inserted into the shredder.

 

High Security:

Engineered to meet the demanding requirements for Top Secret data destruction. High Security shredders are perfect for military, Federal, State and local government agencies as well as defense contractors.  See different levels of security

 

Hopper:

A basket-like container mounted around the throat of high volume shredders to receive crumpled and/or odd-size paper.

Horizontal feed:

          Shredders that feed paper from the side, sometimes from a shelf or conveyor belt on high volume shredders.

 

Motor:

Measured in horsepower, it is the available shredding power that is calculated from the wattage specifications of the motor.

Overload protection:

          If too many sheets of paper are loaded into a shredder, the overload protection will turn the shredder off before the motor is burned out.

Reverse:

Manual reverse button can be used to back paper ot ot the feeder.  Automatic reverse feature, available on select models as part of a complete electronics package, helps prevent paper jams.  The shredder will automatically reverse, momentarily, if an overfeed occurs.  This is accompanied by an audible and visible warning.

 

Shred Size:

The overall dimensions the paper is reduced to. Shown as one number for Strip Cut models and two numbers for Cross Cut models.

Speed:

Shown in "feet per minute", the number is determined by shredding continuous forms and calculating the length of paper shredded over a given time.

 

Strip Cut:

Documents are cut into thin unreadable strips. Generally the strips will be the length of the document.

 

Vertical feed:

          Shredders that feed the paper through the top of the machine.

Waste Capacity:

Measured in gallons, it is the volume of paper that the waste bag or bin can hold.