Embassy 16-sheet Paper Shredder Today Special – Design Flaw

DuaneEv
09.01.16 11:50 PM

I just got my Embassy paper shredder TS today. Spent a half hour trying to get it to work, then I noticed the problem, and it wasn’t anything I was doing wrong. There’s a serious design flaw between the wastebasket and the safety switch on the cutter head. The raised tab on the front top right corner of the wastebasket does not go up into the slot far enough to activate the switch that allows the cutter head to operate. The display shows an overload or open door error. I proved it was the problem by using the edge of the Embassy manual to push up on the switch. When I did, the cutter head worked and pulverized an envelope. The tab on the wastebasket is not broke nor does it have any molding flaws. The tab lines up and goes into the switch slot on the cutter head. It just doesn’t push up on the switch enough to let it run. I examined the cutter head to make sure that there wasn’t any other packaging in place that needed to be removed before operating. I have a feeling that this problem may exist on all of the units sent out, since my unit appears to be absolutely fine otherwise. Another interesting point is that in the on-air presentations they ran the shredder with the wastebasket removed which means one of two things. Either this safety switch feature was not on the units used on air, or the safety switch was “bypassed” so it could be operated with the wastebasket out. It’s to bad because it is a nice shredder otherwise.

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- Jacqueline29
- 09.07.16 6:17 AM
I had the exact same problem! My “door open” light was on too and I just couldn’t figure it out until I read your comment. It worked fine once I had manually kept the interlock pushed. Sadly, I refuse to pay for something that I have to fix and tape, so my beautiful rose gold shredder is going back! :catsad::womansad:
- DuaneEv
- 09.05.16 12:56 PM
I did come up with a simple “fix”, if anyone is interested. I simply took a piece of a round toothpick and taped it to the top of the tab on the wastebasket, thus extending the tab a little bit. It was enough to engage the switch on the cutter head, and now it works. If this doesn’t last then maybe I’ll extend the tab with some Laser Bond. I still have some time to decide if it is going back, I’m just disappointed that I had to fix Embassy’s design flaw at all. Anyway, I hope this helps someone that has a similar problem with this shredder.
- Merce3
- 09.02.16 1:50 PM
So sorry to hear of your problem, you certainly did a good examination on it and I’m sure you will be pleased when you get one that works properly.

I don’t have this particular one, I got mine a couple of years ago and have been very happy with it and have had no problems.

I hope by now you have sent it back and will get another one that works properly.
- RetlawG74
- 09.02.16 1:56 AM
Good to know ?, I’ve been eyeing this shredder so at least if I decide to try it and this happens I know what to do. Hopefully they’ll rectify this flaw though… 🙂
- rerun1980
- 07.26.15 1:34 AM
Well, I have been known to leave the house without remembering to put on certain articles of clothing. Only to realize it hours later….:smileyvery-happy:.
- LoriW57
- 07.25.15 8:00 PM
without a stitch on? At first I thought you meant clothing! 🙂