Shredding Security Levels Explained

Don’t know what security level shredder you need? Our helpful guide below explains the difference between a P-2 and a P-7 shredder.

We have samples of all levels of paper shredding from P-2 to P-7 if you would like to see the difference in paper cutting size.

Security Level P-2

This security level is the biggest pieces of paper and the least secure. It cuts paper into strips – isn’t really suitable for confidential paperwork. We mainly sell these for cutting paper into strips for animal bedding!
Material particle surface ≤ 800 mm2 or strip width ≤ 6 mm.
Unlimited strip length.

 

Shredding Security Level P2

Security Level P-3

This is the next security level up and is now a cross cut level (paper is shredded horizontally and vertically). Suitable for general paperwork you need shredding.
Material particle surface ≤ 320 mm2 (for example particles 4 x 80 mm) or strip width ≤ 2 mm.
Unlimited Strip Length.

Security shredding

Security Level P-4

This is a more secure cut size again. Great for confidential documents you want to securely shred.
Material particle surface ≤ 160 mm2 and for regular particles: strip width ≤ 6 mm (for example particles 4 x 40 mm).

Security Shredding

 

Security Level P-5

This is a good security level for paperwork for example for accountants, solicitors and schools. A secure cross cut level.
Material particle surface ≤ 30 mm2 and for regular particles: strip width ≤ 2 mm (for example particles 2 x 15 mm).

 

Security Shredding Level P5

Security Level P-6

This is nearly the most secure level of paper shredding – Recommended for instance for data carriers with secret data in case extraordinarily high security precautions have to be respected.
Material particle surface ≤ 10 mm2 and for regular particles: strip width ≤ 1 mm (for example particles 0.8 x 12 mm).

 

Security shredding level p6

Security Level P-7

This is the most secure level of paper shredding – it is almost like dust! Recommended for instance for data carriers with strictly confidential data in case the highest security precautions have to be respected. Examples include the police and the government.
Material particle surface ≤ 5 mm2 and for regular particles: strip width ≤ 1 mm (for example particles 0.8 x 5 mm).

Security shredding P7

If you have any questions regarding paper cut levels and what size is suitable for your paperwork, feel free to contact our team who will advise on a cut size and some shredders that would meet your requirements.