Understanding Shredders
Technical terms can be confusing if you do not deal with them every day. To help you understand shredders, we have included a short description of the terms used in the shredder industry.
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Strip-Cut
Documents are shredded into thin unreadable strips. Generally the strips will be the length of the document.
Cross-Cut
Documents are cut into two directions producing small particles that not only offer great security, but are self compacting and reduce overall bulk.
Feed Width
The width of the opening where paper is inserted into the shredder
Capacity
The number of 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper that can be shred at one time. Generally shown as two numbers, the first being 20 Lb. bond and the second being 16 Lb. bond. These numbers are only a guideline as, paper quality, type of paper and atmospheric conditions could effect the capacity rating.
Shred Size
Size of the shred, shown as one number for strip-cuts and two numbers for cross-cuts.
Speed
Shown in "feet per minute". Determined by shredding continuous forms and calculating the length of paper shredded over a given time.
Motor (Horsepower)
available shredding power, calculated from wattage specifications of the motor.
Auto On/Off
Shredding action starts automatically when paper is inserted into the feed opening and stops after the paper has been completely shred. Controlled by the paper contacting a mechanical sensor or by breaking a light barrier.
Bag Full-Auto Off
When the waste bag or bin reaches a preset level, a sensor turns the shredding action off. This is accompanied by visual and/or audible warnings on certain models.
Auto Reverse
To help prevent paper jams, the shredder will automatically reverse, momentarily, if an overfeed occurs. This is accompanied by a visual and audible warning. This feature is available on select models as part of the complete electronics package.
Waste Capacity
Measured in gallons, it is the volume of paper that the waste bag or waste bin can hold.
Security Level
According to DIN 32757 standards, there are five classes of data. This is useful in determining the appropriate shred size needed to truly safeguard the data.
| Security Level 1: |
For general business correspondence
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| Security Level 2: |
For internal documents, such as notes, invoices, photo-copies and more.
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| Security Level 3: |
For confidential documents, such as company internal documents, personal data.
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| Security Level 4: |
For secret documents, such as documents and files for the safeguarding of one's livelihood or a company's existence.
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| Security Level 5: |
Espionage-safe or extremely high demands of security as in military or government departments.
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DAHLE shredders are all NSA/DoD approved.
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