Amazon Basics AU200XA
Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross Cut Paper Shredder
Model: AU200XA - Instruction Manual
Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross Cut Paper Shredder. Please read these instructions thoroughly before initial use and retain them for future reference. This shredder is designed for shredding paper, staples, and credit cards, offering a high level of security for your sensitive documents.
Important Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, always follow basic safety precautions when using this appliance.
- Read all instructions: Familiarize yourself with the shredder's functions before operation.
- Keep away from children and pets: The shredder has sharp blades and moving parts. Keep hands, hair, loose clothing, and jewelry away from the paper entry slot.
- Power source: Connect the shredder to a properly grounded power outlet with the correct voltage.
- Avoid aerosols: Do not spray or keep aerosol products in or around the shredder.
- Do not shred metallic items: Avoid shredding metallic credit cards, large paper clips, or other hard objects that can damage the blades. Small staples are acceptable.
- Unplug when not in use: Always unplug the shredder before cleaning, moving, or emptying the waste bin.
- Proper ventilation: Ensure the shredder is placed in a well-ventilated area. Do not block ventilation openings.
- Overheating protection: The shredder features automatic shut-off to protect the motor from overheating. Allow adequate cool-down time if this occurs.
- Indoor use only: This appliance is intended for indoor use only.
Product Overview
The Amazon Basics AU200XA shredder features both an auto-feed tray and a manual feed slot for versatile document destruction. It includes a pull-out basket for easy waste disposal and a control panel for operation.

Front view of the Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross Cut Paper Shredder, showing the main unit and a sheet of paper in the manual feed slot.

Top view illustrating the control panel, auto-feed tray, and manual feed slot.
Setup
- Unpack: Carefully remove the shredder from its packaging. Retain packaging for future transport or storage.
- Position: Place the shredder on a flat, stable surface. Ensure there is adequate space around the unit for ventilation. The shredder is equipped with casters for easy movement.
- Connect Power: Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet.
- Check Basket: Ensure the pull-out basket is correctly inserted and the door is closed. The shredder will not operate if the basket is not properly seated or the door is open.
Operating Instructions
The shredder features a 4-mode control switch and various indicators for optimal use.
Control Switch Functions:
- Auto/On: The shredder will automatically start when paper is detected in either feed slot.
- Off: Powers off the shredder.
- Forward: Manually runs the shredder forward.
- Reverse: Manually reverses the shredder blades to clear jams.
Shredding Documents:

A user placing documents into the auto-feed tray for shredding.
- Select Mode: Set the control switch to Auto/On.
- Auto Feed (up to 200 sheets): Open the auto-feed tray cover. Stack up to 200 sheets of paper (20 lb bond) neatly into the auto-feed tray. The shredder will automatically pull and shred the documents. Staples do not need to be removed.
- Manual Feed (up to 10 sheets): For smaller quantities of paper (up to 10 sheets, 20 lb bond) or credit cards, use the manual feed slot. Insert the items directly into the slot. The shredder will activate automatically.
- Continuous Run Time: The auto-feed tray has a continuous run time of 60 minutes. The manual feed slot has a continuous run time of 10 minutes. After reaching the maximum run time, the shredder will require a 45-minute cool-down period to prevent overheating.
LED Indicators:
The control panel features LED indicators to provide operational status and alerts:
- Feed Error: Indicates an issue with paper feeding.
- Bin Full: Illuminates when the pull-out basket is full and needs to be emptied.
- Door Open: Indicates the basket is not properly inserted or the door is open.
- Overload: Signals that too much paper has been inserted, potentially causing a jam.
- Overheat: Indicates the motor has reached its temperature limit and requires a cool-down period.
Maintenance
- Emptying the Waste Bin: When the 'Bin Full' indicator illuminates, unplug the shredder. Pull out the waste basket and dispose of the shredded material. Reinsert the basket firmly until it clicks into place.
- Cleaning: Unplug the shredder before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Oiling the Blades (Recommended): To maintain optimal performance and extend the life of your shredder, regularly oil the cutting blades. Apply shredder oil (specifically designed for paper shredders) to a sheet of paper and feed it through the manual slot. Alternatively, apply oil directly across the paper entry slot while the shredder is in reverse for a few seconds. Perform this after every 30 minutes of continuous shredding or when you notice a decrease in performance.
Troubleshooting
Refer to the following table for common issues and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Shredder does not turn on. | No power; Basket not properly inserted; Overheat protection active. | Check power connection; Ensure basket is fully inserted and door closed; Allow shredder to cool down for 45 minutes. |
| Paper jam. | Too much paper inserted (overload); Paper inserted incorrectly. | Switch to Reverse mode to clear the jam. If unsuccessful, unplug, carefully remove paper, then plug in and try again. Reduce paper quantity. |
| Shredder stops during operation. | Overheat protection active; Waste bin full; Door open. | Allow 45 minutes for cool-down; Empty the waste bin; Ensure basket is fully inserted and door closed. |
| Shredder runs slowly or makes unusual noise. | Blades need oiling; Excessive paper dust. | Oil the shredder blades as per maintenance instructions; Clean the paper entry area. |
Specifications

Product dimensions: 18.35 x 14.02 x 22.83 inches (LxWxH).
- Model: AU200XA
- Shred Type: Cross Cut (5/32 x 25/32 inches; 4 x 20mm)
- Security Level: P-4
- Auto Feed Capacity: 200 sheets (20 lb bond paper)
- Manual Feed Capacity: 10 sheets (20 lb bond paper)
- Shreds: Paper, staples, credit cards
- Waste Bin Capacity: 8.5 gallons
- Continuous Run Time (Auto Feed): 60 minutes
- Continuous Run Time (Manual Feed): 10 minutes
- Cool-down Time: 45 minutes
- Product Dimensions (LxWxH): 18.35 x 14.02 x 22.83 inches
- Item Weight: 32.9 pounds
- Color: Black
Warranty Information
For detailed warranty information, please refer to the official warranty document provided with your product or available online:
Customer Support
If you have any questions, require assistance, or need to report an issue with your Amazon Basics shredder, please contact Amazon Basics customer support through the official Amazon website or your purchase platform.
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