Dahle PowerTEC 727 CS Paper/Optical Media Shredder

The Dahle PowerTEC 727 CS combines two high security destroyers in one cabinet. Paper enters a 9-inch slot and is cut to 1 x 5 mm at P-7, while discs go through their own 5-inch slot and are cut to 2 x 4 mm at O-5, and each waste stream falls into a separate bin. It appears on the NSA/CSS EPL for paper shredders and on the NSA/CSS list for optical destruction devices for CDs, which makes it a strong fit for secure facilities that must destroy both paper and CDs on one 115 V machine.

PowerTEC 727 CS at a glance

• Paper cut to 1 x 5 mm at P-7; optical media cut to 2 x 4 mm at O-5
• Listed on the NSA/CSS EPL for paper (High volume) and for CD destruction
• 11 sheets of #20 bond per pass, at 24 ft/min
• Separate bins: 33 gallons for paper plus 20 gallons for media
• 3.5 HP chain-driven motor running on a standard 115 V outlet

How the 727 CS splits paper and disc waste

The two feeds work independently but share a motor, a cabinet and a single power cord. Since paper fragments and disc fragments never mix, each bin can be emptied on its own schedule and logged on its own record, which simplifies a destruction audit. The bins usually fill at different rates, and the split design means you never have to tip out a mixed load. Combined capacity is 53 gallons.

What its NSA optical listing does and does not cover

On paper, the 727 CS matches the rest of the PowerTEC 700 high security range: 5 mm² particles, inside NSA/CSS 02-01 limits and the finest class in DIN 66399. On the optical side, the 2 x 4 mm fragment measures 8 mm², within the 10 mm² ceiling for DIN O-5. NSA's optical listing for this model names CD as the approved material. DVD and Blu-ray require fragments of 2 mm or less, which this head does not reach. If those formats are in your policy, the 747 CS is the machine to use.

Speed, power and upkeep

At 24 ft/min, the 727 CS is the fastest paper shredder in the PowerTEC 700 line, which helps it keep up with a shared department. Its chain drive transfers torque without slipping, and its motor is thermally protected for continuous running. The automatic EvenFlow Lubricator meters oil to the cylinders, so maintenance consists of refilling the reservoir. Dahle publishes no bag part number, and none are supplied, so order liners to fit each bin.

Dahle PowerTEC 727 CS specifications

Choosing between the 727 CS, 747 CS and 707 PS

• PowerTEC 747 CS: a finer O-6 optical cut under 2 x 2 mm and an EPL entry that covers CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray. It runs slower at 18 ft/min, and holds 49 gallons in total.
• PowerTEC 707 PS: paper only, with a 16-inch throat and a single 53-gallon paper bin, for sites that never shred discs.

Who should pick the 727 CS

Choose it when a single machine must destroy both P-7 paper and CDs with documented NSA listings, on ordinary power, with the waste kept separate. Avoid it if DVD or Blu-ray must be destroyed to NSA standards, or if staff often feed legal or tabloid paper, since the 9-inch paper slot accepts letter stock flat but not those larger sizes.