The Fellowes 79Ci Powershred is a powerful cross-cut shredder designed for both home and office use. Known for its Jam Proof System, SafeSense® Technology, and SilentShred™ features, this shredder offers reliable performance for shredding documents, credit cards, and CDs. However, like any piece of machinery, it can run into occasional issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting tips and preventive measures to keep your Fellowes 79Ci Powershred in optimal condition.
The Fellowes 79Ci Powershred is used in various environments where document security is essential:
- Home Users: For secure personal document shredding.
- Small to Medium-sized Businesses: For regular document destruction.
- Offices: When large volumes of sensitive documents need to be shredded frequently.
Top Causes of Problems with Fellowes 79Ci Powershred
While the Fellowes 79Ci is engineered for efficiency, several factors can lead to common problems:
- Paper Jams: This can occur when too many sheets are fed into the shredder at once or when incorrect materials are used.
- Overheating: The shredder can overheat if used continuously beyond its recommended duty cycle.
- Overloading: Overloading the shredder with more sheets than it can handle can lead to malfunction.
- Loud Noise: This could be due to blockages or issues with the motor or cutting blades.
- Sensor Issues: Paper detection sensors can become dirty or blocked.
- Maintenance Neglect: Failing to maintain the shredder properly can lead to performance degradation.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for the Fellowes 79Ci Powershred
1. Resolving Paper Jams
- Step 1: Turn off and unplug the shredder.
- Step 2: Check the waste bin. If full, empty it to ensure the shredder operates correctly.
- Step 3: Reverse the paper using the reverse function to free any jammed paper. If the reverse doesn’t work, manually remove the paper carefully.
- Step 4: Ensure you’re not feeding in more paper than the shredder’s capacity (16 sheets max).
2. Overcoming Overheating
- Step 1: If the Overheat Indicator lights up, it means the shredder has exceeded its safe temperature. Turn off the shredder and let it cool down for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: After cooling, ensure that the shredder is clean and free of blockages before resuming use.
- Step 3: Avoid continuous shredding beyond the 20-minute maximum run time. After 20 minutes, allow the shredder to rest for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preventing Overloading
- Step 1: Before shredding, check the maximum sheet count for your shredder (16 sheets max for 8.5” x 11” paper).
- Step 2: Feed only the appropriate materials. The Fellowes 79Ci can shred paper, credit cards, and CDs, but not materials like cardboard, laminated paper, or large paper clips.
- Step 3: Feed paper in small batches to prevent overwhelming the shredder’s motor.
4. Fixing Loud Noise Issues
- Step 1: Inspect the blades for paper buildup or obstructions. Clean the cutting blades as described in the maintenance section.
- Step 2: Lubricate the shredder with Fellowes Shredder Oil after every few uses to keep the motor running smoothly.
- Step 3: If the noise persists, check for loose parts or misalignments, and consult the user manual or contact customer support.
5. Cleaning and Fixing Sensor Issues
- Step 1: Turn off and unplug the shredder.
- Step 2: Clean the infrared paper detection sensors (located near the paper entry) using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Step 3: Re-test the shredder to ensure it detects paper correctly.
6. Maintenance for Long-Term Performance
- Step 1: Regularly empty the waste bin to keep the shredder functioning efficiently.
- Step 2: Oil the shredder using non-aerosol vegetable oil, such as Fellowes 35250, every time you empty the bin.
- Step 3: Clean the shredder periodically, including the paper entry and sensors, to avoid paper dust buildup.
Tips to Prevent Future Problems
- Prevent Paper Jams: Always feed paper in batches of no more than 16 sheets to avoid jams.
- Allow Cool-Down: Ensure you allow the shredder to rest after 20 minutes of continuous use.
- Proper Maintenance: Oil your shredder and clean the sensors regularly to maintain optimal performance.
- Correct Materials: Avoid shredding items that are not compatible with the 79Ci Powershred, like large paper clips or plastic laminates.
Quick Reference Table for Fellowes 79Ci Powershred Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Paper Jam | Reverse paper, reduce sheet count, empty the bin |
| Overheating | Let shredder cool down, don’t exceed 20-minute runtime |
| Overloading | Stick to the max sheet limit, shred in smaller batches |
| Loud Noise | Inspect and clean blades, lubricate regularly |
| Sensor Issues | Clean sensors with rubbing alcohol, ensure no blockage |
| Maintenance Issues | Oil regularly, empty bin often, clean shredder area |
Product Warranty and Support Details
For users who have followed all troubleshooting steps but are still experiencing issues, knowing about the product warranty and customer support options can provide a sense of security. Here, I will help you to understand how to proceed if your shredder is faulty or beyond simple repairs.
Warranty Duration and Coverage:
- Warranty Duration: The Fellowes 79Ci Powershred is covered under a 2-year limited warranty for parts and service.
- What’s Covered: This warranty includes repair or replacement of defective parts due to material or workmanship issues.
- What’s Not Covered: Damage due to misuse (like shredding incompatible materials), accidents, or unauthorized repairs.
How to Claim Warranty:
- Contact Fellowes customer support at 1-800-955-0959.
- Provide proof of purchase and a description of the issue.
- Fellowes will guide you through the warranty claim process and offer a solution, which could include repair or replacement of parts.
Contact Information:
- Customer Service (USA): 1-800-955-0959
- Website: www.fellowes.com
For warranty claims or troubleshooting that can’t be solved by the steps provided, Fellowes offers support via their customer service channels.
Alternative Solutions for Advanced Issues
Sometimes, despite troubleshooting, a paper shredder may experience more advanced issues that require replacement parts or even professional repair. Knowing when to escalate to these options can help you to avoid frustration.
Replacement Parts:
- If you identify issues with specific parts like the blades, motor, or infrared sensors, these parts can be replaced through Fellowes customer service or authorized retailers.
- Where to Buy Parts: You can purchase genuine replacement parts from the Fellowes website or certified sellers.
Professional Repair Services:
- If the issue persists or is too complex, consider seeking professional repair services.
- Fellowes offers a repair service, or you can consult third-party repair professionals.
Upgrading the Shredder:
If the 79Ci is frequently malfunctioning and repair isn’t effective, you may want to consider upgrading to a more advanced model for higher sheet capacities or additional features like higher shredding speeds or larger waste bins.
Summary
Maintaining your Fellowes 79Ci Powershred and promptly addressing common issues like paper jams, overheating, and sensor malfunctions will keep it running smoothly for years. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above and performing regular maintenance, you’ll ensure the shredder performs at its best, offering reliable document destruction for all your sensitive information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I prevent my Fellowes 79Ci from overheating?
The Fellowes 79Ci is designed for a maximum of 20 minutes of continuous use, followed by a 30-minute cool-down period. Avoid running the shredder beyond its capacity to prevent overheating.
Can I shred credit cards or CDs with the Fellowes 79Ci?
Yes, the 79Ci is designed to shred credit cards and CDs. Make sure to rotate the CD/card safety flap into place before inserting these materials.
Why is my shredder making a loud noise after I’ve oiled it?
If your shredder continues to make excessive noise, check for blockages or worn-out parts. If the noise persists, it could indicate an issue with the motor or blades, and you should contact customer service.
How often should I oil my Fellowes 79Ci Powershred?
Oil your shredder every time you empty the waste bin to maintain optimal cutting performance and prevent wear on the motor and blades.
Why does my Fellowes 79Ci continue to run even after I’ve removed the paper?
This could be a sensor issue. Sometimes, paper dust or debris blocks the paper detection sensors. Clean the sensors carefully, and if the issue persists, the sensors may need to be replaced.
My shredder keeps overheating even though I’m following the recommended usage times. What should I do?
Overheating could be caused by inadequate ventilation or internal buildup. Ensure the shredder is in a cool, ventilated space and clean out any debris inside the machine. If the problem persists, contact customer support.
The “Bin Full” indicator is flashing, but the bin is empty. What’s causing this?
The sensor that detects the bin might be blocked. Clean the sensor area with a soft cloth, ensuring no dust or paper is obstructing it. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, consider contacting support.
How can I tell if my shredder is overloaded?
The Fellowes 79Ci has an overload indicator light. If the shredder is overloaded, reduce the paper sheets and press the reverse button to clear the paper.
My shredder is making a grinding noise when I try to shred, what should I do?
A grinding noise can indicate paper jams or an issue with the blades. Check for paper blockages, clean the blades, and lubricate the shredder. If the noise persists, check for worn-out parts.
How can I prevent paper jams in the future?
To prevent paper jams, always check the sheet limit (16 sheets) before shredding and avoid inserting incompatible materials like cardboard or thick plastic.
