1. Introduction
The Fellowes PowerShred P-30C 6 sheet Cross-Cut Deskside Paper Shredder is designed for home or office use, offering enhanced security by shredding up to 6 sheets per pass into 5/32” x 1-5/16” cross-cut particles (Security Level P-4). It can also shred staples and plastic credit cards, eliminating the need for tedious document preparation. The P-30C features a sophisticated design with a 4-gallon waste bin that holds up to 80 shredded sheets, easily emptied with a lift-off head. Its ultra-quiet performance minimizes noise, making it suitable for shared workspaces. The shredder can continuously operate for up to 3 minutes before a 40-minute cool down period is required.

Figure 1: Fellowes PowerShred P-30C
2. Setup
- Unpack: Carefully remove the shredder from its packaging.
- Positioning: Place the shredder head securely on top of the waste bin. Ensure it is properly seated to allow for operation.
- Power Connection: Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet.
3. Operating Instructions
The P-30C is designed for efficient and secure shredding of various materials.
3.1 Basic Shredding
- Power On: Locate the control switch on the top of the shredder head. Slide it to the 'Auto' (play symbol) position. The shredder is now in standby mode.
- Insert Material: Insert up to 6 sheets of paper (20lb bond) into the paper entry slot. The shredder will automatically start and stop once the material has passed through.
- Continuous Operation: The shredder can continuously shred for up to 3 minutes. After this period, it requires a 40-minute cool-down time to prevent overheating.

Figure 2: Inserting Paper for Shredding
3.2 Acceptable Materials
- Paper (up to 6 sheets of 20lb bond paper per pass)
- Staples (standard office staples)
- Plastic Credit Cards (insert one at a time into the dedicated slot if available, or the main paper slot)
3.3 Safety Features
The Fellowes PowerShred P-30C incorporates safety features for user protection:
- SafeSense Technology: (If applicable, based on model features) This technology automatically stops the shredder when hands touch the paper entry, preventing injuries.
- Interlock Switch: The shredder will not operate unless the shredder head is correctly seated on the waste bin.
3.4 Product Overview Video
Video 1: Fellowes - The World's Toughest Shredders. This video provides a general overview of Fellowes shredders and their capabilities.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Emptying the Waste Bin
The 4-gallon waste bin can hold up to 80 shredded sheets. To empty:
- Power Off: Slide the control switch to the 'Off' (circle symbol) position and unplug the shredder from the power outlet.
- Lift Head: Carefully lift the shredder head off the waste bin.
- Discard Contents: Empty the shredded material from the bin into a trash receptacle.
- Replace Head: Place the shredder head back onto the bin, ensuring it is securely in place.

Figure 3: Emptying the Shredder Bin
4.2 Oiling the Shredder
Regular oiling is crucial for maintaining shredder performance and extending its lifespan. Use Fellowes shredder oil or a vegetable-based oil in a non-aerosol container.
- Apply Oil: Apply a thin bead of oil across the paper entry slot.
- Run Shredder: Run the shredder in reverse for 10 seconds to distribute the oil.
- Frequency: Oil the shredder after every 30 minutes of accumulated shredding or at least twice a month.
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 Paper Jam
If a paper jam occurs:
- Reverse Function: Slide the control switch to the 'Reverse' (double arrow symbol) position. This will attempt to clear the jam by backing the paper out.
- Reduce Load: If the jam persists, remove the shredder head, clear any visible paper, and try again with fewer sheets.
5.2 Overheating
The shredder has a built-in thermal overload protector. If the shredder runs continuously for too long (more than 3 minutes), it may overheat and automatically shut off.
- Cool Down: Allow the shredder to cool down for approximately 40 minutes. The power light will indicate when it is ready for use again.
- Reduce Load: To prevent future overheating, avoid exceeding the maximum sheet capacity and adhere to the recommended continuous run time.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fellowes |
| Model Number | 6008002 (P-30C) |
| Cut Type | Cross-Cut |
| Sheet Capacity | 6 sheets (20lb bond paper) |
| Bin Capacity | 4 Gallons (approx. 80 shredded sheets) |
| Continuous Run Time | 3 minutes |
| Cool Down Time | 40 minutes |
| Shreds Materials | Paper, Staples, Credit Cards |
| Security Level | P-4 |
| Item Weight | 9.48 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 7.44 x 12.94 x 14.5 inches |
7. Warranty and Support
7.1 Warranty Information
The Fellowes PowerShred P-30C comes with a 1-Year product warranty and a 3-year cutter warranty. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
7.2 Customer Support
For any questions, concerns, or technical assistance, please contact Fellowes Customer Support:
- Website: Visit the official Fellowes website for FAQs and support resources.
- Phone: Refer to the contact information provided on the product packaging or the Fellowes website for direct support.





