Product Overview
The Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder is designed for secure disposal of sensitive documents and credit cards. It transforms paper into confetti-like pieces, meeting P-3 security standards. This shredder is suitable for home and small office use, offering reliable performance for your shredding needs.
Figure 1: Front view of the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder.
Setup Instructions
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the shredder from its packaging. Retain packaging materials for future storage or transport.
- Placement: Position the shredder on a flat, stable surface. Ensure there is adequate space around the unit for ventilation and operation.
- Bin Installation: Ensure the 4.8-gallon waste bin is correctly inserted into the shredder unit. The shredder will not operate if the bin is not properly seated.
- Power Connection: Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet.
Operating Instructions
Figure 2: Top view of the shredder showing the control panel and paper entry slot.
- 4-Mode Power Switch: The shredder features a slide switch with four modes:
- AUTO: The shredder automatically starts when paper is inserted and stops when shredding is complete. This is the recommended setting for normal operation.
- OFF: The shredder is powered off.
- REVERSE: The shredder blades rotate in reverse to help clear paper jams.
- FORWARD: The shredder blades rotate continuously forward.
- Shredding Paper: Insert up to 12 sheets of 20-pound bond paper into the 8.7-inch paper-entry width slot. The shredder will automatically begin shredding in AUTO mode.
- Shredding Credit Cards: Insert one credit card at a time into the dedicated slot. The shredder can also destroy staples or small paper clips.
- Continuous Run Time: The shredder is designed for 7 minutes of continuous operation, followed by a 30-minute cool-down period. If the shredder runs continuously beyond the maximum run time, it will automatically shut off to protect the motor from overheating.
- LED Indicators: The control panel includes LED indicators for:
- Power On: Indicates the unit is powered and ready.
- Overload: Illuminates if too much paper is inserted.
- Overheat: Illuminates if the motor is too hot and requires a cool-down.
- Misaligned: Indicates the waste bin is not properly seated.
Figure 3: Proper insertion of paper into the shredder.
Maintenance
- Emptying the Waste Bin: Regularly empty the 4.8-gallon bin to prevent jams and ensure optimal performance. The lift handle makes it easy to remove the shredder head.
- Lubrication: For prolonged shredder life and optimal performance, it is recommended to regularly lubricate the shredder blades with shredder oil. Follow the instructions provided with your shredder oil.
- Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the shredder with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Important Note: Do not spray or keep any aerosol products in or around the shredder. Do not shred items like metallic credit cards, as this can damage the blades.
Figure 4: The shredder features an easy-to-empty bin.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your shredder, please refer to the following common problems and solutions. For more detailed guidance, consult the official Troubleshooting Guide (PDF).
- Paper Jams: If paper jams occur, switch the power to the REVERSE position to attempt to clear the jam. The anti-jam auto reverse feature is designed to minimize and clear paper jams automatically.
- Overheating: If the shredder stops operating and the Overheat LED illuminates, the motor has reached its temperature limit. Turn the shredder off and allow it to cool down for at least 30 minutes before resuming operation.
- Overload: If the Overload LED illuminates, too many sheets were inserted. Remove some sheets and try again.
- Bin Misaligned: If the Misaligned LED illuminates, ensure the waste bin is fully and correctly inserted into the shredder unit.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | AU1208XB |
| Shred Type | Cross-Cut |
| Shred Size | 3/16 x 1-9/16 inches (5 x 40 mm) |
| Security Level | P-3 |
| Sheet Capacity | Up to 12 sheets (20-pound bond paper) |
| Credit Card Capacity | 1 at a time |
| Bin Capacity | 4.8 Gallons |
| Continuous Run Time | 7 minutes |
| Cool-down Time | 30 minutes |
| Paper Entry Width | 8.7 inches |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.2 x 13.2 x 15.3 inches |
| Item Weight | 12.81 pounds |
Figure 5: Product dimensions for proper placement.
Warranty and Support
This Amazon Basics product is covered by a warranty. For specific warranty details, please refer to the official Warranty (PDF) document.
For further assistance, including detailed user instructions and troubleshooting, please consult the following official documents:
For direct support, please visit the Amazon Basics support page or contact Amazon customer service.
