The right shredder for a home office depends on how much and how often shredding is required. For light, occasional use by one person, a personal shredder is typically sufficient. However, if a single user frequently handles large volumes of documents, a small office shredder is a better fit due to its higher sheet capacity and extended run time.

Personal shredders are designed for light to medium use, with up to 12-sheet capacity and up to 10-minute run times. 

Small office shredders support 1-3 users, handle up to 20 sheets, and run up to 30 minutes, making them suitable for more demanding home/small office environments.

For a team of around eight users handling frequent or bulk shredding, a commercial or autofeed Fellowes shredder is recommended. These models are designed for continuous use, high sheet capacity, and reliable performance in shared office environments.

Commercial shredders are built for heavy-duty use, with continuous run times and up to 38-sheet capacity per pass. Ideal for shared offices needing reliable, high-volume shredding.

Autofeed shredders like the Fellowes AutoMax™ series automate bulk disposal, handling up to 550 sheets with manual feed options, quiet operation, and advanced security features.

Popular options for shared use:

• Fellowes Powershred 425Ci: Offers P-4 security with cross-cut shredding, supports up to 30 (auto), 14 (Manual) sheets, includes a spacious 30-gallon bin, and runs continuously for uninterrupted performance.
• Fellowes AutoMax 550C: Offers P-4 security with cross-cut shredding, handles up to 550 sheets automatically, features a 22-gallon bin, and supports continuous operation for high-efficiency shredding.

The right shredder cut type depends on how sensitive the documents are and the level of security required.

• Strip-Cut (Basic Security, DIN P-2): Suitable for non-sensitive documents with low confidentiality needs.
• Cross-Cut (Higher Security, DIN P-3/P-4): Ideal for general confidential documents at home or in the office.
• Micro-Cut (Superior Security, DIN P-4/P-5): Best for highly confidential personal or business information.
• High-Security Micro-Cut (Government Approved, DIN P-7): Used for classified or top-secret data requiring maximum protection.

Each cut type offers a different level of protection, making it easier to match a shredder to specific privacy needs.

Yes, some auto-feed shredders can process occasional CDs, DVDs, or credit cards when placed correctly within a paper stack. 

It's best to avoid placing materials smaller than A4 directly into the tray without support. These items should be placed within a paper stack to help ensure smoother shredding rather than fed alone.

For model-specific instructions, always check the product manual for specific usage recommendations.

Most Fellowes shredders include two types of warranty coverage: one for the machine and one for the cutting blades. The exact warranty coverage depends on the specific Fellowes shredder model. To confirm coverage, check the product manual provided with the machine or on the website’s product page. 

For example, the Fellowes AutoMax™ 550C includes:

• Machine Warranty: 2 years
  
• Cutter Warranty: 20 years

Contact our Fellowes Customer Care for support if the manual is unavailable or a warranty claim is needed.

To fix a paper jam, begin by turning off and unplugging the shredder. Let it cool if it's overheated. Then use the reverse function to release the jammed paper.

If the jam continues, follow these steps:

• Switch between forward and reverse modes to loosen the blockage.
  
• Gently remove visible paper using hands or tweezers.
  
• Check the waste bin and empty it if full, as this can stop operation.
  
• Resume only when the shredder has fully cooled and cleared.

Paper jams often happen due to overfeeding, misaligned sheets, or lack of regular maintenance. Following a few simple steps can help keep your shredder running smoothly.

• Do not exceed the shredder’s sheet capacity to avoid overloading.
• Feed paper straight into the slot without folding or angling.
• Empty the bin regularly to avoid backup.
• Oil the shredder as recommended to keep the cutting blades in good condition.

Proper use and maintenance reduce the chances of jamming and help extend the life of the shredder.

When the Overheat indicator turns on, the shredder has reached its maximum run time and needs a rest period before resuming operation. The required cool down time depends on the model.

For example, the Fellowes Powershred 99Ci runs up to 30 minutes and requires about 40 minutes to cool down.
Shredders with continuous run time, like the Powershred 225Ci, are designed to operate without needing cool down breaks.

Always refer to the product manual for the exact cool down period for your specific model.

Fellowes shredders with an Auto-Oil system are designed to lubricate themselves automatically. In most cases, no manual oiling is required.

However, manual oiling may occasionally be needed after a heavy shredding session or if the machine signals a need for lubrication through a low oil indicator before the next automatic cycle occurs. This does not involve direct oiling of the cutters, it means manually triggering the built-in Auto-Oil function.

To do this:

• Fill the oil reservoir with up to 12 oz (355 mL) of shredder oil
• Press the Auto and Forward buttons together for 3 seconds to activate the oiling cycle.
• Once complete, the system will automatically lubricate the cutters.

Note: The Auto-Oil system is only included in some models like: 425Ci, 485Ci, 5850C, and HS-1010.

Always refer to the manual for model-specific guidance.

Bin indicators notify when the shredder cannot operate due to the status of the waste bin. These alerts help protect the machine and maintain smooth operation.

• Bin Full Indicator: This means the bin is full and needs to be emptied before shredding can continue. This alert help prevent jams and ensure safe use.
  
• Bin Door Open Indicator: Signals the bin is open or is not fully closed. Make sure it is fully close to resume operation.

Always check these indicators if the shredder stops unexpectedly.

If the 4-digit SmartLock PIN for the AutoMax shredder is forgotten, the shredder cannot be unlocked through the normal keypad entry. For security, there is no public reset code.

Contact Fellowes Customer Care with the model and serial number for assistance.