Best 5 Security Level 6 Paper Shredders: Safe Performance With Every Shred

Are you interested in level 6 shredder?

If you are, then keep reading this review. Models higher security level differs from low-security paper shredders in many ways. Learn the difference between these types in our buying guide and you’ll be able to choose the best P6 paper shredder.

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What Is A Level 6 Shredder?

Such a shredder is a high-security device with a level 6 rating, the highest level of security. They cannot handle high-volume shredding as they are slow. They meet the NSA/CSS Specification 02-01 requirements and are thus NSA/CSS approved. NSA stands for National Security Agency and CSS stands for Central Security Service.

How Small Are The Shredded Particles?

The particles have to be equal to, or smaller than, 1 mm x 5 mm (or 1/32” x 5/32”), according to NSA requirements for destruction. However, some models are made with a different cut pattern shredding paper into particles with an area equal to 1/26” x 1/5” which is also acceptable for level 6 and is NSA/CSS approved.

Government Level 6 Vs. DIN 66399 Guidelines

DIN 66399 laid out the details for seven different levels of security. Level 6 is just below Level 7 which is the highest security level for a shredder. DIN Level 6 is also called P-6 Shredder while level 6 of government security corresponds with P-7 DIN level. Alternatively, some paper shredders are approved by the DoD (Department of Defense).

What Are The Different Security Levels & Sizes For Shreddings?

According to DIN 66399, there are seven security levels.
Level P-1 is not recommended for confidential documents as it cuts paper only into strips that are under 12 millimeters wide.
Level P-2 is still not recommended for sensitive documents as it shreds paper into strips that are only under 6 millimeters wide.
Level P-3 offers high speed and shreds paper so that it is under 2 millimeters wide so it is the best option for fast shredding while providing enough security.
Level P-4 is a cross-cut where particles are under 6 millimeters wide and have an area of under 160 millimeters squared, providing more security.
Level P-5 is a cross-cut where particles are under 2 millimeters wide with an area of up to 30 millimeters squared.
Level P-6 is a cross-cut where particles are under 1 millimeter wide and the area of one particle is under 10 millimeters squared.
Level P-7 is the highest security level where particles are under 1 millimeter wide and the area of one particle is under 5 millimeters squared. The P-7 DIN level corresponds with government level 6 for a paper shredder.

What Are They Used For?

These shredders are high-security micro-cuts, great for destroying sensitive information and confidential documents. They can destroy business paperwork, credit cards, junk mail, personal mail and documents, bank statements, receipts, and more.

How Do You Know If You Need One?

If you are looking to solve one of the following problems, then this machine is the right choice for you:

• Getting rid of top-secret documents – this is especially helpful in government offices where top-secret data is being dealt with
• You want maximum security – with really particles, it will be impossible for anyone to steal your identity or look through your sensitive data
• You don’t need to shred too much at once – this is because such a high-security paper shredder cannot cut fast or a lot at once to be able to produce really tiny shreds

What To Consider When Buying One?

Level 6 security offer is filled with different sizes, shredding volumes, safety features, speed limitations, and motor power.

Shredding Speed

The micro-cut paper shredder usually runs slower than the other two types because they shred slowly, but efficiently. The paper shredder with a more powerful motor runs a bit faster, so check out the motor power.

Motor Power (HP)

Shredders for highly confidential documents need powerful motors to be able to shred paper efficiently into such tiny cuts. On the market, some have a motor power range of between 2.4 and 4.8 Horse Power.

Paper Size

Some machines can shred A4-sized paper and some can even handle larger sizes. Pick the model that can handle the maximum width of the paper you want to shred.

Safety Needs

Automatic reverse and automatic shut-off are safety features that are good to have. This will help with paper jams as you won’t have to expose your fingers to the blades if the paper gets stuck inside.

Shred Volume & Speed

Depending on the power of the motor, they can handle between 3 and even 13 sheets per pass. The bigger the shred volume, the bigger the speed, as well. Pick a model with a higher volume if you need to get rid of more documents quickly. Otherwise, even a 5-sheet shredder will suffice.

Noise Level For A Distraction-Free Workplace

If your shredder will be close to employees in the office, the noise level might be a distraction for them. This is why you might need a quieter option.

Best 5 Security Level 6 Paper Shredders

HSM Securio B24 Paper Shredder

Expensive Shredder
The HSM Securio B24 HS is available in white color. If you work in a modern office, this device will perfectly fit. The HSM dimensions are 23.8 inches of height, 12.5 inches of width and 15.5 inches of depth. The product weight is 45 pounds.

Cross-cut Method
Usually, the micro-cut types are able to achieve security level 6. But this cross-cut device also provides top security. You can feed it with sensitive documents without fear of identity thief. This shredder meets NSA and DOD security requirements.

Shredder Performances
The sheet capacity is eight sheets of paper per single pass and the bin capacity is 9 gallons or 34 liters. That is a high capacity, so you don’t have to empty the bin so often. The noise level is acceptable, it’s 56 decibels which is an equivalent to people’s conversation.

Anti-paper Jam Feature
This high-security machine is intended for continuous run. It is a very good choice for medium-sized offices. The cutting rollers are made fo solid steel, so they are durable. The paper opening features overload protection which prevents paper jams. In standby mode, HSM has 0.1 watts of power consumption.

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Bonsaii 5S30 Paper Shredder

Heavy-duty Machine
The Bonsaii 5S30 is a heavy-duty product. You can use it in the office or at your home. Its continuous run time is 240 minutes. That is 4 hours, more than many other paper shredders. Bonsaii shred credit cards, CDs, DVDs, paper clips and staples.

5-sheet Capacity
This model is available in different versions depending on sheet capacity. We are focused on 5-sheet capacity, but there are 6-sheet, 8-sheet and 10-sheet capacity. The security level is P6, which means, the Bosaii shreds the paper into 1/26 x 5/21 inches.

Quiet Operation
The shredding speed is 6.5 feet per minute. If you want to use this machine in your office, you don’t have to worry about the noise, the noise level is low, 58 decibels. Bonsaii provides a silent workspace. There is no fear of paper jams becasue it will automatically reverse the blades if paper jams happen.

Two Wastebaskets
The 5S30 features a large pull out wastebasket with 8-gallon capacity. Also, there is a big transparent window so you can easily see when it’s time to empty it. This device allows you to install a small bin of 0.37 gallons for shredding CDs, DVDs and credit cards.

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Destroyit 2600 Security Paper Shredder

NSA Evaluated Paper Shredder
The Destroyit 2600/2 SMC is a powerful machine, its motor delivers 1 horsepower. It is designed for paper shredding only, so ou need to remove paper clips and staples. Also, it isn’t intended for credit cards, CDs and DVDs. Destroyit is NSA evaluated and meets NSA specifications for the high-security cross-cut shredder.

Automatic Lubrication
The sheet capacity is 6 sheets of paper. This cross-cut type model features an automatic oil injection. It improves paper shredder performance and you don’t have to worry about maintenance. The photocell controls start and stop, it isn’t necessary to turn it on manually.

Capacity Control
The paper opening is 10 1/4 inches wide. The Electronic Capacity Control indicates sheet capacity level and prevents overloading and paper jams. The cutting blades are made of high-quality steel, so you can assume that they are durable and sharp. The motor runs quietly and continuously. It is not a completely level-6 model, but the brand characterised it like one.

Energy Saving Mode
The Destroyit is an energy-efficient machnine. There is an energy-saving mode that conserves power after an hour of shredding. That means it will automatically shut down if the paper jams occur or if the bag is full of shredded paper. Above the feed opening, there is a protective shield for user’s safety.

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Sem 2226CC Paper Shredder

Medium Sized Offices
The Sem 2226CC/3WO is produced by Security Engineered Machinery. It’s a big machine, there are 18.50 x 19.50 x 36.50 inches and it weighs 106 pounds. There are four casters, so it’s easy to move it around. The Sem is designed for small and medium-sized offices.

NSA Product
You can find it on the NSA list as an evaluated shredder because it has security level 6 and it meets DIN level 7 standard. You can feed it with highly confidential documents. The shredded paper size is 0.8 mm x 5 mm.

LED Indicators
It features LED indicators for power, door open and bin capacity. If the bin is full, the light is on, so empty the waste bin before overloading. The automatic start and stop save energy and provide lower power consumption.

Safety Features
The SPS or Safety Protection System features safety shield. The shield is there to protect your hands and fingers. The Sem is safe for use even if there are children around. When the device is not in use, it will automatically shut off and save power. On top of the shredder are a panel with easy switch control buttons and illuminated symbols.

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Intimus 602SF Paper Shredder

Large Item
The Intimus 671154 is a machine with big dimensions, so it is great for offices. This level 6 machine is NSA approved as a highly secure choice. It is a cross-cut and it shreds the paper into 1/32 x 5/32 inches of particles.

Powerful 2HP Motor
The powerful motor delivers 2 horsepower, so it is really strong. You can put 9 sheets at the time and the shredding speed is 46 feet per minute. The wastebasket has a capacity of 33 gallons. That is a huge basket, you don’t have to empty it so often.

Paper Only
The dimensions are 26 inches of width, 17 inches of depth and 40 inches of height. It is best to place it into the corner of the room. Intimus doesn’t accept paper clips and staples, only paper. When the bag is full, the shredder will shut off.

Easy To Use
Intimus features an auto start/stop functions. The auto-reverse feature will clean the paper jams, you don’t have to do that manually. This paper shredder is very popular with government and military organizations. The paper slot is 16 inches wide.

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What Else Should You Keep In Mind?

To make sure you are using your machine properly, here is what else you should think about.

Do High-Security Shredders Have Automatic Oilers?

They can have automatic oilers but this depends on the manufacturer and model. If they are not included, you can add automatic oilers sometimes to these machines.

Will These Machies Cut Through Other Media?

These machines shred paper into really tiny particles and they are mostly not intended for destroying types of media (CDs, DVDs, ID cards). However, do check with your machine’s manual to make sure it is the case with the device you chose.

Levels Of Classified Papers

In the US, the three main levels of classification for information are confidential, secret, and top-secret, from least to greatest level respectively. These are defined in EO 12356. With these shredders, you can destroy even top secret information with peace of mind as it is impossible to reassemble the shredded document by current scientific means.