Fellowes Beswick High Security

The Fellowes Beswick High Security range covers three shredders rated at DIN security level P-7 – the highest standard for paper destruction.

All three models reduce each A4 sheet into 12,000 to 15,000 particles, making document reconstruction effectively impossible. The range spans personal use through to heavy departmental use, with continuous-duty motors across all models. These shredders suit government departments, intelligence and legal environments, financial institutions, and any organisation that handles classified or top-secret personal information with POPIA compliance obligations that go beyond what P-5 or P-6 provides.

Key facts:

1. All three models are rated DIN P-7 – the highest paper security level available in this range.
2. Particle counts range from approximately 12,000 (Powershred 425HS at 1x5mm) to approximately 15,000 (Fortishred 1050HS and 3250HS at 0.8x5mm) per A4 sheet.
3. All three models run on continuous-duty motors with no cool-down periods.
4. The 1050HS is sized for personal or small-team use (35L bin). The 3250HS and 425HS are built for departments (100L and 121L bins respectively).
5. The Powershred 425HS is the only model in this range with Auto-Oil and SafeSense – the Fortishred models use an electronically controlled shield instead.

Which Models Are in the Fortishred High Security Range?

The High Security range contains three models spanning personal to heavy departmental use, all sharing the P-7 security rating and continuous-duty motors. Each model targets a different user count and bin size, with differing safety mechanisms depending on the series.

Model overview:

1. Fortishred 1050HS: P-7, 0.8x5mm, 4 sheets per pass, approximately 15,000 particles per A4, 35L pull-out bin, continuous duty, personal use, electronically controlled shield safety, auto shutoff after 30 minutes of inactivity.
2. Fortishred 3250HS: P-7, 0.8x5mm, 5 to 7 sheets per pass, approximately 15,000 particles per A4, 260mm throat, 100L pull-out bin, continuous duty, departmental use, electronically controlled shield safety, Sheet Capacity Sensor for jam prevention.
3. Powershred 425HS: P-7, 1x5mm, 10 sheets per pass, approximately 12,000 particles per A4, 121L pull-out bin, continuous duty, 10+ users, SafeSense, 100% Jam Proof System, Auto-Oil, sleep mode after 2 minutes of inactivity, 3yr machine / 3yr cutter warranty, 6mpm shred speed, 75.98kg.

How Do the Three High Security Models Compare?

All three models share the P-7 security rating and continuous-duty motors. The key differences lie in particle size, sheet capacity, bin size, user count, safety mechanism, and additional features like Auto-Oil and SafeSense.

What Is the Difference Between the Fortishred HS Models and the Powershred 425HS?

The Fortishred 1050HS and 3250HS and the Powershred 425HS are all P-7, but they come from different product lines and use different safety systems, jam prevention technologies, and feature sets. Understanding these differences is important when choosing the right model for your environment.

Fortishred 1050HS and 3250HS:

1. Cut size 0.8x5mm – producing approximately 15,000 particles per A4, slightly more than the 425HS.
2. Safety: electronically controlled shield that cuts power when the shredder is opened a physical barrier-based system.
3. No Auto-Oil – manual oiling required.
4. No 100% Jam Proof System – the 3250HS uses a Sheet Capacity Sensor to help prevent overloading.
5. The 3250HS adds a 260mm throat width and Sheet Capacity Sensor versus the more compact 1050HS.
6. Warranty not published on product pages – confirm with datasheet.

Powershred 425HS:

1. Cut size 1x5mm , producing approximately 12,000 particles per A4, slightly larger particles than the Fortishred models but still P-7 certified.
2. Safety: SafeSense – stops the motor immediately when hands approach the paper entry, without requiring the machine to be opened.
3. 100% Jam Proof System – automatically powers through overloads and prevents paper jams.
4. Auto-Oil built in – automatically lubricates cutters during operation, reducing maintenance requirements.
5. Sleep mode activates after 2 minutes of inactivity – more energy efficient in intermittent use environments.
6. 121L bin and 10+ user rating – the largest capacity and highest user count in this range.
7. 3-year machine and 3-year cutter warranty – the only model in this range with a published warranty.

The choice between them depends on environment. Government, intelligence, or classified environments that require 0.8x5mm particles may prefer the Fortishred HS models. Large office or departmental environments with 10+ users, requiring easier maintenance and automatic jam prevention, are better served by the Powershred 425HS.