Before you specify
Frequently Asked Questions
What bags fit the CX22-44?
ACCO part number 1145482. The operating manual lists it as the plastic bag accessory for this model and for the CX34-44, which share the same 165-litre bin. Bags are not supplied with the machine. Using a generic liner is possible given the bin is a standard 44-gallon class volume, but an ill-fitting bag tends to collapse into the shredding chamber, so the manufacturer part is worth the small premium.
Can it shred CDs and credit cards?
Yes. ACCO's datasheet confirms staples, paper clips, credit cards and CDs are all supported. The operating manual notes that discs and cards should go through in small amounts rather than continuously - the cutting head is designed for paper with occasional hard media, not as a dedicated media destroyer. Feed one disc at a time and let the machine clear it before the next.
How many people can share this shredder?
It is specified as a commercial machine for shared use, and a floor of roughly fifteen to twenty-five is a realistic figure given the 400 mm throat, 165-litre bin and continuous duty rating. The constraint is the 16-19 sheet pass rate on normal 80 g/m2 office paper. If several people routinely arrive with archive boxes rather than a day's paperwork, the CX34-44 on the same cabinet will absorb that load better.
Is P-4 secure enough for confidential business records?
For most commercial purposes, yes. P-4 caps particles at 160 mm2 and is the level normally specified for confidential business data under DIN 66399. This machine cuts to exactly 160 mm2. Where organisations go higher, it is usually because a client contract or an internal policy names P-5, in which case the CM15-30 in this range is the alternative. P-4 is not appropriate for classified material.
What is the duty cycle - does it need to cool down?
The rating is on/off continuous, so there is no published cool-down interval. In practice the ECC+ capacity control is what limits you: overfeed the throat and the machine will indicate and reverse rather than push through. The other behaviour to know about is automatic standby, which powers the unit down after 15 minutes of inactivity to under 1 Wh. It wakes on the next sheet.
What size circuit does it need?
The operating manual specifies a 120 V supply on a 15 A minimum circuit for the North American configuration. The motor itself draws 640 W. A standard dedicated office outlet is sufficient; sharing a circuit with other high-draw equipment such as a copier is not recommended, since the startup current on a loaded cutting head is what usually trips a shared breaker.
How loud is it in an open-plan office?
ACCO publishes under 75 dB, which is loud enough to be intrusive in an open-plan space - roughly comparable to a busy street heard from the pavement. It suits a copy room, a corridor alcove or a service area. If the machine has to sit among desks, the CX40-59 in this range is published at 55 dB and is a substantially quieter proposition, albeit at P-3 rather than P-4.
How often does it need oiling?
Regularly, and with the correct oil. The manual specifies GBC shredder oil, part 1760049. Cross-cut cutting heads accumulate paper dust that increases friction, and under-oiling is the most common cause of reduced sheet capacity and eventual cutter failure. Oil across the full width of the feed opening, then run the machine briefly in reverse. Do not use aerosol lubricants or cooking oils.