After working fine for a couple of months, my shredder now does not shut off after shredding paper. I have looked at the underside and can see no jammed paper. If I turn it off, when I turn it back on, it runs without any paper being introduced.
This is a model DM12C which I presume is similar to the DM8C.
Mac
Best to use the alcohol/cotton swab recommendation. When I first called Fellowes about cleaning the sensor, they told me never to spray compressed air into the shredder throat, but without much explanation. Later I discovered that the instructions on some of the compressed air cans specifically warn against using them to clear shredder sensors, as the flammable accelerant can leak out when the can is held at an angle and possibly ignite if a spark is generated by the machine.
This link will take you to the Fellowes FAQ page:
http://fellowes.com/fellowes/site/support/support_troubleshooting.aspx#dm12c
On the page click on "How do I clean the sensors on my (model) shredder." I depart a bit from the instructions in that I don't replace the two screws on the throat guide. That way, I can simply slide the media guide toward the front of the machine, lift up the throat guide and do my cleaning. Much faster and, in my opinion, not having the throat guide screws in does not seem to pose much of a safety issue.
I got an email from Fellowes technical support suggesting I use alcohol and a cotton swab on the sensors after unplugging it. That fixed my problem.
Compressed air will more than likely do the trick. Due to the dust that's created, the sensor can very easily get cover causing the machine to "sense" something being shreded. I just fixed a DM12C and VOILA - no longer a problem. Warning: the air from these containers can freeze the sensor and cause it to crack - then you have a bigger problem. Short bursts does the trick.
Blowing compressed air down the throat of the feeder seems to clean off the optical sensor without taking the unit apart -- at least temporarily.
Best regards,
Jim Florance
The Fellowes shredder uses an optical sensor to sense the presence of paper in the throat of the unit. The possible cause is something blocking the sensor or worst case scenario the board that controls the operations of the shredder. You can look down the throat of the unit to check for an obstructed sensor or perhaps dust on the sensor, but be sure that the unit is unplugged. Hope that this helps.
Aloha,
Bill Monroe
Your Fellowes p600c-2 shredderappears to have the same problem I had, it would run in reverse but would not shred new paper. I removed the 6 screws that are visible on the top assembly, but could not get the top assembly to come apart. There is a seventh screw hidden under one of the adhesive labels. I removed that screw and was able to disassemble the shredder. The plastic trigger mechanism that starts the shredder when paper is put in was stuck. I freed the trigger mechanism and reassembled the shredder. Now it works fine.
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automatic shut off does not work nothing is blocking the sensor
I have check for any thing blocking the sensor and it is clear. I own two of these shredders and have the same problem with both of them after just a few months of operation.
I have Fellowes DM12C sheredder. The sensor does not work. I have to turn it on feed the paper and then turn it off. Otherwise it will keep running for ever. No paper jam either.
DM12C - turn it on and it runs continuously. A few times it seemed to be cured by applying a line of oil and shredding a sheet but that no longer works. Looking into the throat, there is no apparent obstacle in the path of the sensor so I assume the sensor or its circuitry is broken.
Incidentally, before this I had the DM8C and that failed with its little plastic spacers breaking and paper shreds entering the motor compartment. Fellowes was kind enough to offer me a cheap upgrade solution. I guess I now need a further upgrade path to get a working machine.
Fellowes P-57c shredder. Will not turn itself off. If you touch the safety zone it will shut off, till the next piece of paper. The sensor appears to be clear. It senses a new piece of paper and turns on after the safety zone shut off, but again, will not turn off.
DM12C. Ran without any paper to shred. Returned it to Costco. It was out of warranty (one year) by three weeks, but they gave me a refund anyway.
Mine won't turn off, I have the DM12c. Then it does turn off. Then it might start on its own. Suggestions?
DM8C will not shut off automatically. Cleaned sensor in throat of machine and used compressed air to clean but niether had a positive affect. Will shut off with manual switch
"DM8C will not shut off automatically. Cleaned sensor in throat ofmachine and used compressed air to clean but niether had a positiveaffect. Will shut off with manual switch"
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