Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Amazon Basics High-Security Cross-Cut Shredder. This manual provides important information regarding the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new shredder. Please read it thoroughly before use and retain it for future reference.
Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of injury or damage, please observe the following safety precautions:
- Keep fingers, loose clothing, hair, and jewelry away from the paper entry slot.
- Keep children and pets away from the shredder.
- Unplug the shredder when not in use or before moving/cleaning.
- Do not shred metal objects, adhesive labels, or wet paper.
- Do not exceed the maximum sheet capacity (7-8 sheets of 70gsm paper).
- Avoid continuous operation for more than 3 minutes to prevent overheating. Allow 30 minutes cool-down time after continuous use.
- Do not operate the shredder if the power cord is damaged.
Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components of your shredder:
- Shredder Head: Contains the cutting blades and motor.
- Paper Entry Slot: Where paper and credit cards are inserted.
- Control Switch: For selecting ON, OFF, and REVERSE modes.
- Waste Bin: Collects shredded material. Features a clear window to monitor fill level.
- Overheat Indicator LED: Illuminates when the shredder needs to cool down.
Image: Front view of the Amazon Basics Cross-Cut Shredder, showing the shredder head, paper entry, and waste bin with clear window.
Setup
- Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
- Assemble: Place the shredder head securely onto the waste bin. Ensure it is properly seated to allow the shredder to operate.
- Position: Place the shredder on a flat, stable surface. Ensure the power cord can reach a standard electrical outlet without strain.
- Connect Power: Plug the power cord into a suitable electrical outlet.
Image: The shredder head lifted off the waste bin, illustrating how the two main components separate for setup and emptying.
Operating Instructions
Shredding Paper
- Set the control switch to the "ON" (Auto) position. The shredder is now in standby mode.
- Insert up to 7-8 sheets of paper (70gsm) straight into the paper entry slot. The shredder will automatically start and stop once the paper has passed through.
- For thicker paper or fewer sheets, the shredder will adjust automatically.
Shredding Credit Cards
- Set the control switch to the "ON" (Auto) position.
- Insert one credit card at a time into the center of the paper entry slot. The shredder will automatically shred the card.
Clearing a Paper Jam
- If a paper jam occurs, set the control switch to the "REVERSE" position. This will reverse the shredding mechanism to clear the jam.
- If the jam persists, switch to "OFF", unplug the unit, and carefully remove the jammed paper manually.
- Once cleared, plug the unit back in and resume shredding.
Image: The shredder actively processing paper, demonstrating the paper entry slot in use.
Video: An official product video demonstrating the Amazon Basics High-Security Cross-Cut Shredder in operation, showing its ability to shred paper and credit cards.
Maintenance
Emptying the Waste Bin
When the waste bin is full, the shredder will stop operating. The clear window allows you to monitor the fill level.
- Set the control switch to "OFF" and unplug the shredder.
- Carefully lift the shredder head off the waste bin.
- Empty the shredded material from the bin into a recycling container.
- Replace the shredder head securely onto the waste bin.
- Plug the shredder back in to resume operation.
Image: The empty waste bin of the shredder, highlighting its capacity and design for easy emptying.
Cleaning the Shredder
- Always unplug the shredder before cleaning.
- Wipe the exterior of the shredder with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Regularly oil the shredder blades (e.g., every 30 minutes of cumulative shredding or once a month) using shredder oil sheets or liquid shredder oil applied to a sheet of paper. This helps maintain performance and prolong the life of the blades.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Shredder does not turn on. | Not plugged in; shredder head not seated correctly; overheat protection activated. | Ensure power cord is securely plugged in. Re-seat the shredder head firmly onto the bin. Allow 30 minutes for the unit to cool down if the overheat LED is on. |
| Paper jam. | Too many sheets inserted; paper inserted incorrectly. | Switch to "REVERSE" to clear. If persistent, unplug and manually remove paper. Reduce sheet count for future shredding. |
| Shredder stops during operation. | Overheat protection activated; waste bin full. | Allow 30 minutes cool-down time. Empty the waste bin. |
| Shredded material is not fine enough. | Not applicable for cross-cut shredders (fixed shred size). | This model produces cross-cut particles (0.48 x 4.68 cm), which is a P3 security level. |
Specifications
- Model: AU864XA
- Shred Type: Cross-Cut
- Sheet Capacity: 7-8 sheets (70gsm paper)
- Shred Size: 0.48 x 4.68 cm
- Security Level: P3
- Continuous Run Time: 3 minutes
- Cool-down Time: 30 minutes
- Bin Capacity: 15.5 Liters
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 32.5 x 19.7 x 39 cm (12.8 x 7.7 x 15.3 inches)
- Weight: 3.72 kg (8.2 lbs)
- Material: Plastic and Metal (Steel)
Disposal
When disposing of the shredder, please follow local regulations for electronic waste. The shredder contains electronic components and should not be disposed of with general household waste.
