Paper shredders are the unsung heroes of office security. They diligently chew through stacks of sensitive documents to protect your company’s integrity.
However, the one vulnerability they face is overheating. In busy work environments with heavy usage, you need to ensure the machine doesn't overheat. Discover five ways to keep your paper shredder from overheating for safe and efficient operation.
1. Shred for Shorter Periods of Time
Your paper shredder might be a powerhouse, but even the strongest engines need a breather. To prevent overheating, start by learning your shredder's limits.
A general rule of thumb is to use your shredder for about 15 minutes, then give it a 20- to 30-minute cool-down period. If you have a larger shredding job, break it up into smaller sessions over the course of a day or week to give your machine the necessary cooling time.
2. Avoid Overloading the Paper-Entry Slot
Paper jams are exceptionally inconvenient. If you’re overloading the entry slot, you’re unlikely to realize there’s a complication at hand. In turn, the shredder will overwork and produce excess heat.
To ensure the shredding process remains smooth and efficient, pay close attention to the maximum sheet capacity outlined in the user manual. If there's any uncertainty about how many sheets your shredder can handle at once, it's always wiser to act on the side of caution. Shred fewer sheets in each batch to prevent the risk of causing a jam and damaging the machine.
3. Lubricate the Blades
Lubricants reduce friction. Over time, dust and paper particles stick to the blades. Applying a lubricant will cleanse the blades, eliminate unnecessary friction, and prevent the system from overheating. Use a designated shredder oil to guarantee you aren’t harming the blades during this process.
Lubricating the blades is quick and simple! All you need is to stick to a routine for the machine to operate at optimal performance and use one of the two approaches for lubrication: indirect and direct.
Indirect
Drizzle shredder oil over the top of a few sheets of paper. Place the paper into the entry slot. Once it runs through, put the shredder in reverse for a few seconds to thoroughly coat all the blades with the lubricant.
Direct
Apply shredder oil directly into the entry slot onto the gears. Run several sheets of paper through the machine. Once again, put it in reverse briefly to complete the process.
4. Check for Obstructions
Regularly inspect the shredder's feed slot and bin for potential blockages. A forgotten paper clip or staple can not only jam your shredder but also lead to overheating by putting strain on the motor. Make it a habit to check the entry of the shredder visually and manually before use to ensure there aren't any hidden obstructions.
5. Ensure Proper Ventilation
The final method to keep your paper shredder from overheating is ensuring substantial ventilation. Adequate air circulation will dissipate heat the motor generates during operation.
When choosing a location for the shredder, it's crucial to keep this component in mind. Placing it in a closed cabinet or near a heating vent is likely to exacerbate the issue.
A heavy-duty commercial paper shredder is what you need to combat an overheating machine. Capital Shredder offers many top-notch paper shredders to handle a variety of confidential files. With a commercial shredder at the ready, you can shred more sheets at once without the fear of overheating.
