This document is a user manual for the Aurora AU125MA shredder, providing essential information for its safe operation, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
The Aurora AU125MA is a paper shredder designed for personal and office use, capable of shredding various types of documents to ensure data security. Its primary function is to destroy sensitive paper documents, credit cards, and other materials into small, unreadable pieces. The shredder features both an auto-feed tray for bulk shredding and a manual-feed slot for individual sheets or credit cards.
Usage Features:
The shredder offers two main modes of operation: Auto-Feed Shredding and Manual-Feed Shredding.
For Auto-Feed Shredding:
- Power On: Plug the shredder into a standard 120-V US household outlet. Turn the main power switch, located at the back of the machine, to the "ON" position. Finally, press the power button on the control panel to activate the shredder.
- Loading Paper: Open the lid of the auto-feed tray. Ensure that the paper is flat and properly aligned within the paper tray. The shredder can handle a maximum of 120 sheets of 20 lb bond paper per load. It can also shred up to 10 sheets of stapled paper stacks and up to 10 sheets of clipped paper stacks.
- Automatic Operation: Once the lid is closed, the shredder automatically begins the shredding process.
- Auto-Reverse Technology: The shredder is equipped with auto-reverse technology. If it detects an over-capacity shredding attempt, the motor will immediately stop and reject the paper before actual shredding begins, preventing jams and damage.
For Manual-Feed Shredding:
- Power On: Similar to auto-feed, plug the shredder into a standard 120-V US household outlet, turn the main power switch to "ON," and then press the power button on the control panel.
- Loading Paper: Insert paper straight into the manual-feed slot and release it. The manual-feed slot can handle up to 10 sheets (20 lb bond paper) at a time. One folded sheet of paper is equivalent to two sheets.
- Credit Card Shredding: For credit cards, insert one card at a time vertically into the middle of the feed slot and release it once shredding begins. The shredder is designed to shred credit cards.
- Staples and Small Paper Clips: The shredder can handle staples and small paper clips. However, it is recommended to remove them whenever possible to extend the lifespan of the shredder's cutting blades.
- Overfeeding Prevention: Avoid overfeeding the shredder beyond its specified sheet capacity, as this can strain the machine, wear down cutting blades, and damage internal components.
- Overheating Protection: If the shredder operates continuously beyond its maximum running time and overheats, it will automatically shut off. In such cases, switch the shredder to the "Off" position and allow it to cool down for 45 minutes or longer before resuming operation.
Control Panel and LED Indicators:
The shredder features a control panel with several buttons and LED indicators to provide feedback on its status:
- Main Power Switch: Located at the back, this switch completely disconnects power to the machine. It should be turned "OFF" when the shredder is unattended or not in use for safety.
- Auto-On (Green): This setting automatically starts the shredder when paper is loaded into the tray or manual-feed slot and stops it once shredding is complete.
- Off: Turns off all shredder features.
- Reverse (REV): Used to clear paper jams by reversing the cutters. It's crucial to empty the wastebasket before attempting to clear a jam using this function.
- Forward (FWD): Manually activates the shredder into cutting mode, which can also help clear minor jams.
- Overheat (Red LED): Indicates the shredder has exceeded its maximum continuous running time and has overheated. The shredder will automatically shut off. A cooling period of 45 minutes or more is required.
- Overload (Red LED): Lights up when too much paper is inserted. Users should use the "Reverse" mode to back up and reduce the number of sheets.
- Door Open (Red LED): Indicates that the shredder basket or top lid is not properly closed. For models with pull-out wastebaskets, this also triggers a safety power cut-off upon bin removal. Ensure the wastebasket is correctly in place and the "Power On" indicator is lit.
- Bin Full (Red LED): Illuminates when the wastebasket is full, indicating it needs to be emptied. The shredder will not operate until the wastebasket is cleared.
- Feed Error (Red LED): Indicates that paper in the auto-feed tray cannot be grabbed by the feeders. Users should open the lid to ensure papers are unfolded and positioned correctly.
Maintenance Features:
Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the Aurora AU125MA shredder. Failure to maintain the shredder properly will void the warranty.
Oiling the Shredder Blades:
- Frequency: Oil the shredder blades monthly.
- Recommended Oil: Use basic vegetable oil, cooking oil, or dedicated shredder oil (shredder oil is not included with the unit).
- Procedure:
- Open the lid of the shredder.
- Carefully apply shredder oil across the feed slot.
- Close the lid.
- Turn the shredder in "Reverse" mode for 3-5 seconds to distribute the oil.
- Shredder Sheets: Alternatively, a shredder sheet (not included) can be used. Simply insert the shredder sheet into the manual-feed slot like a piece of paper, then run the shredder in "Reverse" mode for 3-5 seconds.
Cleaning the Shredder:
- Safety First: ALWAYS unplug the shredder from the AC outlet before cleaning.
- Exterior Cleaning: Clean the shredder by wiping the unit with a dry, soft cloth or towel.
- Avoid Water and Flammable Materials: Do not clean the shredder with water or immerse it in water, as this can damage electrical components. If the unit gets wet, dry it completely with a cloth or towel immediately. Never use flammable materials to clean the shredder, as this can cause serious injury or damage.
- Aerosol Products: Do not spray or keep any aerosol products in or around the shredder. Specifically, DO NOT USE CANNED AIR ON THE SHREDDER.
- Blade Cleaning: Never attempt to clean or clear the shredder blade directly with hands or tools, as the blades are very sharp.
Wastebasket Management:
- Emptying: Never let the wastebasket become full, as this can cause shredded material to be pulled back into the shredder, leading to jams. The "Bin Full" LED indicator will alert you when it's time to empty the basket.
- Caster Wheels: The shredder comes with 4 caster wheels that should be attached to the bottom of the wastebasket for easy mobility.
General Safety and Maintenance Tips:
- Power Cord: Always turn the shredder off and unplug the power cord from the AC outlet when not in use, before cleaning, moving, or emptying the wastebasket. Do not use the shredder if the power cord is damaged.
- Location: Do not place the shredder near water or any heat source.
- Repairs: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Doing so may expose you to sharp cutting blades and/or electricity, and it will void the manufacturer's warranty.
- Flammable Materials: Never use petroleum-based or flammable oils or lubricants in or around the machine, as they can combust. Do not dispose of flammable chemicals or materials that have come into contact with them (e.g., nail polish, acetone, gasoline) in the shredder basket.
- Prohibited Items: Do not shred metal credit cards, large paper clips, window or insulated envelopes, continuous forms, newsprint, bound pages (like notepads, checkbooks, magazines), transparencies, laminated documents, cardboard, any items with adhesives, hard materials, or plastic (except credit cards).
- Children and Pets: The product is not intended for use by children. Keep children and pets away from the shredder.
- Personal Safety: Avoid touching the document feed opening with hands. Keep loose clothing, jewelry, and hair away from the paper entry slot and moving parts. Do not insert foreign objects into the paper entry slot. Be aware of sharp blade edges and do not touch them.
By following these operating and maintenance instructions, users can ensure the safe and efficient performance of their Aurora AU125MA shredder for many years.