Can a Paper Shredder Interfere with your Internet Connection?

Can a Paper Shredder Interfere with your Internet Connection?
Can a Paper Shredder Interfere with your Internet Connection?

Shredding paper is an obvious way to get rid of old documents. Not only this, but it’s also a great way to reduce waste and clutter in your home or office. But did you know some paper shredders are known to interfere with your internet connection? In this article, we’ll explain why it happens and how you can reduce your paper shredder’s interference with your network.

How do paper shredders work?

Paper shredders are mechanical devices used to shred paper into a variety of sizes. Most paper shredders can cut paper into small strips or fine particles, depending on the type of cutting mechanism. They are designed to protect consumers and businesses from identity theft, fraud, and other risks. 

To use a paper shredder, you just have to feed the paper into the machine, and it will cut the paper. They are also capable of grinding paper down or cross-cutting it into tiny strips. Most paper shredders come in various levels of security, ranging from basic junk mail disposal to a level P6 shredder that ensures documents have been destroyed properly. Not only does paper shredding help protect against identity theft, but it is also a great way to recycle and create a more sustainable environment.

Benefits of using a paper shredder 

Using a paper shredder is an important step in protecting your personal information and reducing clutter in your home or office. It is the most effective way to ensure that documents containing personal or confidential information are never stolen or compromised. By shredding papers, you will also be in compliance with privacy laws and ensure that documents are disposed of properly. 

You can also outsource paper shredding, which will save you time and money while also helping your company become more environmentally friendly. Paper shredding services also give you a certificate of destruction, which can give you additional assurance that your documents are securely destroyed. 

Does using a paper shredder affect your internet connection?

A paper shredder, especially an old machine, can potentially interfere with your internet connection if it is generating electrical interference. This may happen due to an unshielded or poorly shielded motor as well as poor quality control. This means that if a shredder is in the same room as your router or close to any connected devices, you could experience slower Wi-Fi speeds and even a connection that keeps dropping. To reduce this interference, it is recommended to move your paper shredder away from your Wireless Access Point (WAP) or combined WAP/Router.

It is also important to ensure that your paper shredder has the correct rating for the number of sheets you intend to shred. When you shred an excessive number of sheets, the rotating drum has to work much harder, which could interfere with your internet connection. Most shredders will indicate when you are shredding too many sheets and may even stop working if used for too long beyond the motor rating. Hence, it is best practice to feed one paper at a time. Slow connection issues could also happen when too many devices are connected at the same time. 

How to keep paper shredders from interfering with your internet connection

If your shredder is generating electrical interference that is disrupting your internal connection, you could try shielding it or moving the shredder machine away from your router and other electrical devices. If the issue still persists, it might be a good idea to replace it. There are many different paper shredders available for every location, whether you work from an office or home. Additionally, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from automatic and manual shredders to cross-cut machines that are widely used in offices. To find out more click here.

To sum it up

Paper shredders can potentially generate electrical interference that can interfere with your internet connection. To avoid such interference, be sure to distance your shredder from WiFi routers and other connected devices. By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy having a reliable internet connection and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your documents are being disposed of securely.