What level of security do you require? Consider the following when making your choice. Most ranges of machines or product groups can be supplied
in several different shred sizes.
Level 1 GENERAL - LOW SECURITY (DIN 1)
This level of security is generally acceptable for home use. Machines will normally shred into long strips cutting a sheet of A4 paper
into about 40 parts. Shred sizes can be up to 12mm or about 1/2 inch. Useful for general information but not for information that may contain
bank account details or passwords etc.
Level 2 INTERNAL - Low to Medium Security (DIN 2)
Would still be long strips but of a much narrower size, cutting a sheet of A4 into 100 strips. Sizes of shred would be under 6mm or 1/4 inch.
For all internal home or small office information.
Level 3 CONFIDENTIAL – Medium Security (DIN 3)
Machines normally cut paper waste into very narrow strips under 2mm or in Cross-Cut Particles (like confetti). Remember as an added extra Cross Cut
shredding will mean that you will need to empty the waste bin much less than with Strip Cut shredding. You can get up to 5 times as much waste into
your bin with a Cross Cut shredder plus you will save money as you will require fewer waste bags. For all Confidential documents including Staff personnel
details, Company secrets, sales and marketing plans etc.
Level 4 SECRET – Medium to High Security (DIN 4)
All models must shred documents into Cross Cut particles of a certain size. Machines supplied to UK Government installation specifically state a maximum
Cross Cut size of Maximum 60sq. mm (for other criteria contact above). Secret documents may include those which may jeopardise personal or institutional
safety if they were to fall into the wrong hands.
Level 5 TOP SECRET – High Security (DIN 5)
Machines will shred to a maximum Cross Cut particle a size of 20sq. mm: i.e. 1mm wide x 15mm long = 15sq.mm. These products are specifically supplied to
Government/Military installations where documents must be shredded to avoid espionage and where information may undermine State defence.
Level 6 MAXIMUM – Highest Security
This is an unofficial level for Europe, but is recognised as being the very highest security level available for Government/Military
installations in America.
(DIN 1-5) DIN 32757 (Deutsche Industrial Norm) levels are specifically designed as a standard within most of Europe as a
guide to help customers make an informed choice.
