Before you specify
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P-5 mean in practical terms?
Under DIN 66399, P-5 means each particle is no larger than 30 mm². This machine cuts 1.9 x 15 mm, which works out to 28.5 mm², so it sits just inside the class. In everyday terms a single letter-size sheet becomes roughly 2,100 pieces, and reconstruction is not a realistic prospect without laboratory effort. P-4, the next class down, allows particles more than four times that area.
How long does a full 500-sheet tray take?
HSM does not publish a stack time for the AF500, so we will not quote one. What we can say is that the cutting head takes 9-11 sheets of 80 g/m² paper per pass and the feed mechanism separates sheets automatically, so the machine sets its own pace and stops when the tray is empty or the bin is full. Plan on loading a tray and coming back later rather than waiting at the machine.
Can I shred credit cards in it?
Cards can go through the manual slot, not the automatic tray. The cutting head carries a T-5 rating, which covers magnetic-stripe media such as bank and ID cards. Feed them one at a time and give the machine a moment between cards. CDs and DVDs are a different matter - this model is not rated for optical media and discs should not be fed into it.
Does it need oiling, and how often?
Yes. Any P-5 particle cutter accumulates paper dust between the cutting discs and will lose sheet capacity if it is never oiled. HSM sells cutting-block special oil as an accessory for this machine; it is not supplied in the box. A practical routine is to oil each time you empty the bin, using only HSM's own oil - aerosol lubricants and vegetable oils gum the cutters and can void a warranty claim.
Is it quiet enough for an open-plan office?
HSM measures it at about 56 dB(A) at idle. Under load it is louder, as any shredder is. That is comparable to normal conversation and it sits between the quieter B24 chassis at 54 dB(A) and the B22 at 57 dB(A). Because it runs unattended you can also simply load the tray at the end of the day and let it work while the floor is empty.
How does this differ from the SECURIO B24 at the same P-5 rating?
The cutting result is identical - both cut 1.9 x 15 mm. Everything around it differs. The AF500 has the 500-sheet automatic tray, a 21.7-gallon bin and a floor-standing cabinet nearly a metre tall; the B24 is a deskside machine with a 9.2-gallon bin that you hand-feed. Choose the AF500 for volume and unattended operation, the B24 for a smaller footprint and a lower price.
What power supply does it need?
110-120 V at 60 Hz, drawing 610 W. That is about five amps, so a standard 15-amp office circuit is sufficient and no dedicated line is required. Avoid running it through a lightweight extension lead; a motor with this starting current should be plugged into a wall outlet or a heavy-duty surge strip rated for the load.