PrintersMailing Machine
Quadient IS-280 Printer Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the mailing machine, with verified specifications.
- TypeMailing Machine
- Speed20 pieces/min
- Sleep power4.72 W
- Off-mode power0.24 W
About the Quadient IS-280
Quadient model IS-280 is a mailing machine that meets ENERGY STAR imaging-equipment requirements.
It uses an inkjet imaging engine and processes up to 20 mail pieces per minute.
It draws 4.72 W in sleep and 0.24 W when switched off (standby). That sleep power is lower than 40% of the 31 Mailing Machine models in our database. The factory default is to enter sleep 5 minutes after the last job.
Specifications
| Brand | Quadient |
|---|---|
| Model number | IS-280 |
| Product type | Mailing Machine |
| ENERGY STAR product category | Mailing Machines |
| Marking technology | Inkjet |
| Media size format | Standard |
| Color capable | No |
| Rated monochrome speed | 20 ipm |
| Automatic duplex (two-sided) | No |
| Professional imaging product | No |
| Remanufactured product | No |
| Sleep-mode power | 4.72 W |
| Standby (off) power | 0.24 W |
| Default delay to sleep | 5 min |
Safety information
- Plug the mailing machine directly into a grounded wall outlet. Avoid light-duty extension cords, and replace a damaged power cord before use.
- Keep the ventilation openings clear and leave the clearance around the unit that the manual specifies for paper trays, covers and service access.
- Switch off and unplug the unit before cleaning it or reaching deep inside to clear a jam.
- Keep ink cartridges, bottles and waste-ink boxes away from children. If ink contacts skin, wash with soap and water; if it gets in the eyes, rinse with water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Setup
- Unpack and remove shipping materials
Remove all tape, foam and protective film, including pieces inside the covers and paper trays.
- Choose a location
Place the unit on a sturdy, level surface (or its floor stand) away from direct sunlight, heating vents and humid areas. Leave room to open covers and pull out trays.
- Install ink and set up the meter
Install the ink cartridge, connect the machine to the internet as instructed, and complete the postage-account registration and download of current postal rates.
- Connect to your computer or network
Connect the unit to your network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi where available) or directly by USB, following the setup guide. Network connection lets several users share it and makes firmware updates easier.
- Install drivers and software
Add the printer in your operating system. Many current network printers work with driverless standards such as AirPrint, Mopria or IPP Everywhere; install the full manufacturer driver if you need finishing, security or accounting features.
- Check the sleep timer
The unit is shipped to enter sleep 5 minutes after the last job. Keep this setting (or shorten it) to minimize idle energy use.
Using your mailing machine
Processing mail
Weigh each piece on the integrated or connected scale, select the mail class, and run envelopes through face-up as shown on the feed deck. Connect the machine regularly so postal rate tables and funds stay current.
Sleep and power settings
The factory sleep delay is 5 minutes. In sleep the unit draws 4.72 W, and 0.24 W when switched off at the power button. Use the auto-off or weekly timer (if offered) to switch the unit off overnight and on weekends.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| When prompted | Replace ink, masters or other consumables, and empty used-master or waste containers. |
| Every 6 months | Install firmware updates from the manufacturer and vacuum dust from the exterior vents. |
Troubleshooting
Most mailing machine problems come from media, consumables, connections or settings. Try these steps first; for numbered error codes, look up the code in the manufacturer's manual or support site.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Paper or media jams | Wrong media for the tray; overfilled tray; worn rollers; debris in the path. | Remove jammed media in the direction of the paper path, check for torn pieces, reload within the fill line, and clean the rollers. |
| Slow to start the first job | Unit waking from sleep. | This is normal. Group jobs together; avoid disabling sleep, which raises energy use considerably. |
Energy use and running costs
ENERGY STAR rates this device on its low-power modes: 4.72 W in sleep and 0.24 W when switched off. If it stays plugged in and asleep around the clock, sleep mode alone uses about 41.3 kWh per year — roughly $7.03 at $0.17 per kWh.
Switching it off outside a 10-hour, 5-day work week (and letting it sleep during working hours) cuts that to about 13.8 kWh per year ($2.34).
Energy used while actively printing is not included in these figures; it depends on how many pages you produce.
Frequently asked questions
What type of device is the Quadient IS-280?
It is a mailing machine in ENERGY STAR's standard media-size category.
How fast is the Quadient IS-280?
It is rated at 20 mail pieces per minute.
How much power does the Quadient IS-280 use in sleep?
It draws 4.72 W in sleep and 0.24 W when switched off. Left asleep all year, that is about 41.3 kWh, or $7.03.
How long does the Quadient IS-280 take to go to sleep?
It is shipped with a default sleep delay of 5 minutes after the last job. You can change it in the control panel or web interface, but shorter delays save more energy.
Is the Quadient IS-280 ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes. It appears on the ENERGY STAR certified imaging equipment list, with a certification date of December 2024.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified printers dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified December 22, 2024), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with Quadient. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact Quadient or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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