1. Overview
This manual provides instructions for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the shredder and retain it for future reference.
The Amazon Basics Micro-Cut Shredder is designed for home and small office use, providing a high level of security for sensitive documents, CDs, DVDs, and credit cards.
Key Features:
- Micro-Cut Shredding: Cuts material into approximate 0.5 x 1.3 cm particles, meeting P-4 security standards.
- Capacity: Shreds up to 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper simultaneously.
- Media Shredding: Capable of destroying CDs, DVDs, and credit cards (one at a time).
- Run Time: 5 minutes continuous operation, followed by a 30-minute cool-down period to prevent overheating.
- Control Switch: 4-mode control (Auto, Off, Reverse, Forward).
- LED Indicators: Power on, Overheat, Overload, Door Open, Bin Full.
- Waste Bin: Easy-to-empty 4-gallon (15L) pull-out bin.
- Mobility: Equipped with caster wheels for easy movement.
2. Important Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, always follow basic safety precautions when using this product.
- Read all instructions before use.
- Keep away from children and pets. The shredder has sharp blades and moving parts.
- Keep loose clothing, jewelry, hair, and hands away from the paper entry slot.
- Do not spray or keep any aerosol products in or around the shredder.
- Do not shred metallic credit cards or any metal objects.
- Do not shred adhesive labels or materials that may stick to the shredder blades.
- Unplug the shredder before moving, cleaning, or emptying the waste bin.
- Do not operate the shredder if the power cord is damaged.
- Do not attempt to service the shredder yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Ensure the shredder is placed on a stable, level surface.
3. Setup
- Unpack: Carefully remove the shredder from its packaging. Retain packaging for future transport or storage.
- Install Caster Wheels: Attach the four caster wheels to the bottom of the shredder base by pushing them firmly into the designated slots until they click into place.
- Position: Place the shredder on a flat, stable surface near a power outlet. Ensure there is adequate space around the unit for ventilation and access to the waste bin.
- Connect Power: Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet.
- Insert Waste Bin: Ensure the pull-out waste bin is correctly inserted into the shredder. The shredder will not operate if the bin is not properly seated.
Image: The Amazon Basics shredder with its 4-gallon pull-out waste bin fully extended, illustrating easy access for emptying.
4. Operating Instructions
Control Switch Modes:
- FWD (Forward): Manually feeds paper into the shredder.
- AUTO (Automatic): The shredder will automatically start when paper is inserted and stop when shredding is complete. This is the recommended setting for normal use.
- OFF: Turns the shredder off. Always set to OFF when not in use or during maintenance.
- REV (Reverse): Reverses the shredder blades to clear paper jams.
Image: Close-up view of the shredder's control panel, showing the 4-mode switch (FWD/AUTO/OFF/REV) and LED indicators for Power, Overheat, Overload, Door Open, and Bin Full.
Shredding Documents:
- Set the control switch to AUTO. The Power LED (green) will illuminate.
- Insert up to 8 sheets of paper into the paper entry slot. The shredder will automatically start and stop.
- Small paper clips and staples do not need to be removed.
Image: A hand feeding multiple sheets of paper into the shredder's main paper entry slot, demonstrating typical use.
Shredding CDs/DVDs and Credit Cards:
- Set the control switch to AUTO.
- Insert one CD, DVD, or credit card into the dedicated slot. The shredder will process it and stop.
- Do not attempt to shred metallic credit cards.
Image: Close-up of the shredder's top, showing a CD being inserted into its dedicated slot and a credit card being inserted into its slot, with diagrams illustrating the shredding pattern for each.
LED Status Indicators:
- Power On (Green): Indicates the shredder is powered on and ready for operation.
- Overheat (Red): Illuminates if the motor exceeds its temperature limit. The shredder will automatically shut off. Allow 30 minutes for cooling before resuming use.
- Overload (Red): Flashes if too much material is inserted, causing the motor to strain. Remove excess material and use the REV function if jammed.
- Door Open (Red): Illuminates if the waste bin is not fully inserted or the shredder head is not properly seated.
- Bin Full (Red): Flashes when the waste bin is full and needs to be emptied.
5. Maintenance
Emptying the Waste Bin:
- Set the control switch to OFF and unplug the shredder.
- Pull out the waste bin from the front of the shredder.
- Empty the shredded material.
- Slide the waste bin back into the shredder until it is securely closed.
Cleaning:
- Always unplug the shredder before cleaning.
- Wipe the exterior of the shredder with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Do not allow liquids to enter the shredder opening.
Oiling the Shredder Blades:
Regular oiling helps maintain shredder performance and extends its lifespan. Use shredder oil (vegetable oil is not recommended) after every 30 minutes of continuous shredding or at least twice a month for light use.
- Apply a thin line of shredder oil across the paper entry slot.
- Set the control switch to FWD for 2-3 seconds to distribute the oil, then switch to OFF.
- Alternatively, you can shred an oiled sheet of paper.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Shredder does not turn on. | No power; Waste bin not fully inserted; Overheat protection activated. | Check power connection; Ensure bin is correctly seated; Allow 30 minutes for cooling if Overheat LED is red. |
| Paper jam. | Too much paper inserted; Material not suitable for shredding. | Switch to REV to clear; Reduce paper quantity; Remove unsuitable material. |
| Shredder stops during operation. | Overheat protection activated; Waste bin full; Door open. | Allow to cool; Empty waste bin; Ensure bin is correctly seated. |
| Shredder is noisy or slow. | Blades need oiling; Overload. | Oil the shredder blades; Reduce paper quantity. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | C217-C |
| Shred Type | Micro-Cut |
| Shred Size | 0.5 x 1.3 cm (0.18 x 0.5 inches) |
| Security Level | P-4 |
| Sheet Capacity | 8 sheets (20 lb bond paper) |
| Media Shredding | CDs, DVDs, Credit Cards (1 at a time) |
| Waste Bin Capacity | 4 Gallons (15 Liters) |
| Run Time | 5 minutes on / 30 minutes off |
| Product Dimensions (WxLxH) | 8.9 x 13.2 x 18.1 inches (22.6 x 33.5 x 46 cm) |
| Item Weight | 14.7 pounds (6.67 kg) |
Image: The Amazon Basics shredder with a document being fed, alongside an illustration of the micro-cut shred size (0.18 x 0.5 inches) and a coin for scale, indicating P-4 security level.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the official Warranty document provided with your product or available online. For customer support, troubleshooting assistance, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact Amazon Basics customer service.
Online Resources:
- User Manual (PDF): Download PDF
- Warranty (PDF): Download PDF
