Shredding is stopped automatically, even if there are part-shredded sheets in the machine. This usually happens because the number of sheets being fed in is more than the machine can cope with and is done to protect the mechanism.

Another reason for a machine stopping automatically is because it has overheated. The motors of some old-design machines would just 'burn out' if subjected to such treatment but many new machines have Thermal Overload Protection. If they are used to shred continuously for too long and overheat, they automatically shut down. If left for several minutes to cool down again, they can then be re-started without harm.

Some newer models are also now being fitted with sensors that can detect if the operator's fingers or other objects are getting too close to the cutters and the machine is then automatically halted for safety reasons.

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