January 30, 2026 – An incident report details serious safety concerns regarding the Bonsen S3112-14CC electric paper shredder, which reportedly activated unattended, overheated significantly, and emitted a strong burning odor. The manufacturer, Bonsen Electronics Inc., has since acknowledged a defect with the unit’s paper feed sensor.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On January 8, 2026, a consumer reported that their Bonsen S3112-14CC electric paper shredder had been experiencing issues with getting stuck running in auto mode. On the day of the incident, the consumer left their house without using the shredder. Upon returning approximately 30 minutes later, they discovered a strong burning smell pervading their home. The shredder, which had apparently activated itself and run unattended, was found to be off but extremely hot to the touch. Crucially, neither the automatic shutoff nor the overheating warning light had engaged. The consumer attempted to power the unit off and then back on, only for the same issue to recur, again without any overheating light activation.
Following the initial incident, on January 9, 2026, the manufacturer, Bonsen, requested the consumer power on the shredder and provide a video demonstrating its operation. The consumer declined this request due to significant safety concerns, citing the previous unattended activation, overheating, and burning odor. Instead, they requested a full refund and provided Amazon order and serial number documentation. Concurrently, the consumer contacted Amazon directly, reiterating the incident details and the ongoing safety concerns, and requested a safety-exception refund, escalating the matter to Amazon’s Product Safety department.
By January 13, 2026, Bonsen, the manufacturer, formally acknowledged a defect involving the paper feed sensor in the S3112-14CC model, stating that this defect could cause the shredder to operate continuously in automatic mode. A full refund was subsequently issued by Bonsen and confirmed by Amazon. The consumer has retained the unplugged and non-operational shredder for a reasonable period, making it available should further investigation be required.
Safety Concerns
The reported incident with the Bonsen S3112-14CC electric paper shredder highlights severe safety risks:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary and most immediate danger is the substantial risk of fire. An unattended electrical appliance that overheats to the point of emitting a burning smell is a critical fire hazard. There is also a risk of contact burns if an individual touches the unit while it is excessively hot.
- Long-Term Risks: If such a defect were to go unnoticed or unaddressed, the continuous, unsupervised operation and subsequent overheating could lead to a sustained electrical fire. This could potentially ignite nearby combustibles, leading to significant property damage and creating a dangerous environment for occupants.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone who owns or operates a Bonsen S3112-14CC shredder, especially those who might leave it plugged in and unattended, is at risk. Homes, offices, and other environments where the product is used could be affected.
- Property Damage Potential: A fire originating from an overheating shredder could result in extensive property damage, including damage to furniture, documents, electronic equipment, and potentially the structural integrity of a building.
What Consumers Should Do
Given the acknowledged defect and severe safety risks, consumers who own a Bonsen S3112-14CC electric paper shredder should take immediate action:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you own this model, immediately unplug it from the power outlet and cease all use. Do not attempt to operate it or troubleshoot any issues. Do not plug it back in.
- How to Check If You Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number on your shredder. If it is the Bonsen S3112-14CC, it is the product involved in this incident.
- Prevention Measures: Always unplug paper shredders when they are not in active use. Never leave shredders, especially those that have exhibited unusual behavior, operating or plugged in unattended. Ensure shredders are placed on non-combustible surfaces and away from flammable materials.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident or have concerns about your Bonsen S3112-14CC shredder, contact the manufacturer and the retailer where it was purchased. Additionally, report the incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at their website (cpsc.gov) or by calling their hotline.
Manufacturer’s Response
Bonsen Electronics Inc. has acknowledged a defect in the S3112-14CC model, specifically related to the paper feed sensor causing continuous operation in automatic mode. After an initial request for video documentation, and subsequent refusal from the consumer due to safety concerns, the manufacturer issued a full refund for the product, which was confirmed by Amazon.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.