Product details
- Brand
- Fellowes
- Color / finish
- Black and silver
- Product type
- Manual-feed cross-cut paper shredder
Description
The 79Ci is a practical fit for a home office that regularly clears statements, correspondence and general business paperwork. It cuts across the sheet to produce small particles and combines a modest footprint with a pull-out bin, so emptying does not require repeatedly lifting the shredder head.
Its capacity suits regular batches rather than feeding an entire archive unattended. You insert each stack manually, and the machine needs a cooling break after extended use. Choosing manageable batches and keeping the waste level below full are still important even with the built-in jam-prevention system.
Features
- 16-sheet feed: accepts up to 16 standard sheets per pass; heavy paper and folded material reduce the practical stack size.
- P-4 cross-cut: produces nominal 5/32 × 1-1/2-inch paper particles.
- Jam-prevention controls: monitor feeding and assist with demanding loads rather than making overloading appropriate.
- SafeSense: stops shredding when a hand touches the sensing area around the paper opening.
- Pull-out bin: holds approximately 6 gallons and includes a bin-full indicator.
Specifications
| Model | Powershred 79Ci |
|---|---|
| Feed method | Manual |
| Paper capacity | Up to 16 sheets per pass |
| Paper security level | P-4 |
| Nominal cut size | 5/32 × 1-1/2 in |
| Bin capacity | 6 gallons |
| Manufacturer duty cycle | Up to 20 minutes on, followed by a cooling period |
| Paper entry | 9 in |
Prepare a sensible shredding routine
A paper security rating describes the resulting cut, not your whole document-retention process. Sort documents that must be retained before starting, and keep finished waste controlled until disposal.
| Paper stacks | Keep sheets straight and reduce stack size when the load indicator requests it. |
|---|---|
| Supported extras | The manufacturer lists staples, paper clips, credit cards and CDs/DVDs; follow the manual’s feed position and quantity rules. |
| Long cleanouts | Break the job into sessions and allow the motor to cool before restarting. |
| Routine care | Empty the bin and use the manufacturer’s specified oiling method to maintain the cutting mechanism. |
Common questions
Can I load 100 sheets and walk away?
No. The 79Ci is a manual-feed shredder. Its 16-sheet capacity is the maximum for each inserted stack, not an automatic loading-tray capacity.
Does SafeSense make it childproof?
No. It is a contact-sensing safeguard, not a substitute for keeping children, pets, loose clothing and hair away from the feed opening.
Will it shred CDs and cards?
Yes, those materials are listed for this model. Use the handling instructions for the material rather than feeding a mixed paper-and-disc bundle.
Is it designed to run continuously all day?
No. Fellowes rates the 79Ci for up to 20 minutes of operation before cooling is required. A continuous-duty model is a different buying category.
Product information & sources
US model specifications and the supplied listing were used. Sheet capacity and runtime are rated limits, not promises for every paper type or environment. Fellowes: 79Ci US specification sheet; Fellowes: 79Ci product reference. Reviewed September 2026.
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