When researching and selecting a paper shredder the first instinct is to find a shredder that will produce the right particle size to suit regulatory requirements.  But not only does the shredder need to produce the correct particle size, but it also needs to be powered properly. If not powered properly the shredder will not run effectively or possibly not at all. Shredders utilize electricity from the wall to run an electrical motor inside the shredder. This electrical motor is rated by horsepower (HP).

Single Phase Motor 120 Volt, 60Cycle Motor

Note: Values above are ballpark figures and are not considered absolute limits.

Above in the chart are examples of shredders that will be powered by 110-120 volt power sources in North America. Let’s break up the motors above into different groups and outline their power source requirements as follows:

Group 1 (Paper shredder with a 1.0 hp motor or less) This shredder can be plugged into any standard 110/120 volt 15 amp receptacle and can have other items on the same circuit as long as the total between all items does not exceed the 15 amps.

Group 2 (Paper shredder with a motor greater than 1.0 hp and equal to or less than 1.5 hp) This shredder should be plugged into a 20 amp receptacle and can have other items on the same circuit as long as the total between all items does not exceed the 20 amps.

Group 3 (Paper shredder with a motor greater that 1.5 hp and less than or equal to 2.15 hp) This shredder should be plugged into a 20 amp dedicated circuit for best performance.

What exactly is a 20 amp dedicated circuit? What this means is the power feeding this shedder should be one line with a wire of 12 gauge thickness or thicker (smaller the number gauge the thicker the wire) coming directly from the circuit breaker to the receptacle. This line/wire should only be feeding this receptacle and nothing else. Another thing to consider is the length of the line. The shorter the length of the line the less voltage drop. You do not want your voltage drop to be more than 5 percent (Example: 120 volt line with a 5 % drop = 114 volts). If there is too great of a voltage drop or insufficient voltage then your line is too long, the gauge wire may be too thin and or you do not have a dedicated line and there are other receptacles running off this line.

In summary, a well researched paper shredder may meet all of the technical requirements needed, but always ensure the electrical requirements and or horsepower of the shredders motor are met as well. Know ahead of time where it may be plugged in and or get an electrician involved to understand what is required to obtain the proper power. If the power source is insufficient you will not get the throughput the unit has been rated for, the shredder may also get jammed, stall, or overheat. If additional help is needed selecting the right shredder and or understanding the power requirements for your shredder SEM is here to help, fill out a request and we can get find the perfect solution!