NICOR Lighting 6 Inch White Recessed Shower Trim (17505) Review: Is It Worth It?
Showering under dim, flickering lights? Upgrading your bathroom lighting doesn't have to break the bank. The NICOR Lighting 6 Inch White Recessed Shower Trim with Albalite Lens (model 17505) promises a simple and affordable solution for updating your recessed lighting fixtures. This trim is designed specifically for wet locations like showers and bathrooms, providing both functionality and an updated aesthetic. It aims to offer a brighter, more pleasant showering experience without the hassle of a major renovation. This review dives deep into the NICOR 17505, exploring its features, performance, pros, and cons to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs.
This trim is a popular choice for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts looking for a quick and cost-effective lighting upgrade. It's designed for easy installation and compatibility with standard 6-inch recessed cans, making it a user-friendly option even for those with limited electrical experience. But does it live up to the hype? Let's find out.
Key Features of the NICOR 17505 Shower Trim
- • Albalite Lens: Provides even light distribution and reduces glare, creating a more comfortable and relaxing showering environment.
- • Wet Location Rated: Specifically designed for use in showers and other wet environments, ensuring safety and preventing electrical hazards.
- • White Finish: A classic white finish that complements a wide range of bathroom styles and decor.
- • 6-Inch Compatibility: Designed to fit most standard 6-inch recessed cans, making it a versatile replacement option.
- • Easy Installation: Designed for simple and straightforward installation, typically requiring no specialized tools.
Pros: What We Like About the NICOR 17505
- • Budget-Friendly: At around $12.99, this shower trim is an incredibly affordable way to upgrade your bathroom lighting without breaking the bank. Compared to replacing entire recessed lighting fixtures, this is a cost-effective solution.
- • Easy Installation: The NICOR 17505 is designed for easy installation, even for beginners. Simply remove the old trim, connect the new trim to the existing socket, and snap it into place. Many users report completing the installation in minutes.
- • Improved Light Quality: The Albalite lens diffuses the light effectively, reducing glare and creating a softer, more even illumination in the shower. This can significantly improve the overall showering experience.
- • Wet Location Rated for Safety: Its wet location rating gives you peace of mind knowing that the fixture is designed for safe operation in damp environments like showers and bathrooms. This is a crucial safety feature that shouldn't be overlooked.
- • Clean and Simple Design: The clean, white finish of the trim blends seamlessly with most bathroom decors, providing a subtle and aesthetically pleasing upgrade.
Cons: Potential Drawbacks of the NICOR 17505
- • Basic Appearance: While the white finish is versatile, the overall design is quite basic. If you're looking for a more stylish or decorative trim, you might find this option lacking.
- • Bulb Not Included: The NICOR 17505 doesn't come with a light bulb, so you'll need to purchase one separately. This adds a small additional cost to the overall project. Consider an LED bulb for energy efficiency.
- • May Not Fit All Cans: While designed for standard 6-inch recessed cans, some users have reported compatibility issues with certain older or non-standard can sizes. Always double-check your can dimensions before purchasing.
Who Should Buy the NICOR Lighting 6 Inch Shower Trim?
The NICOR Lighting 6 Inch White Recessed Shower Trim is an excellent choice for homeowners and renters who are looking for a simple, affordable, and effective way to upgrade their bathroom lighting. It's particularly well-suited for those who:
- • Need to replace a damaged or outdated shower trim: If your existing shower trim is cracked, discolored, or simply outdated, the NICOR 17505 provides a quick and easy replacement option.
- • Want to improve the lighting quality in their shower: The Albalite lens effectively diffuses the light, creating a softer and more even illumination that can significantly enhance the showering experience. Many older shower trims lack this feature.
- • Are on a tight budget: At under $15, this trim is an incredibly affordable way to make a noticeable improvement to your bathroom lighting without breaking the bank.
- • Prefer DIY projects: The easy installation process makes this trim ideal for DIY enthusiasts who want to tackle a simple home improvement project.
Compared to other shower trims like those from Globe Electric or Hampton Bay, the NICOR 17505 stands out for its affordability and simplicity. While those brands may offer more decorative options, the NICOR provides a solid, functional solution for those primarily concerned with improved light quality and easy installation.
Conclusion: Is the NICOR 17505 Worth the Investment?
The NICOR Lighting 6 Inch White Recessed Shower Trim with Albalite Lens (17505) offers exceptional value for its price. Its easy installation, improved light quality, and wet location rating make it a practical and safe choice for upgrading your shower lighting on a budget. While its design is simple, its functionality and affordability make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to brighten their bathroom without breaking the bank. We highly recommend it for those looking for a cost-effective and easy lighting upgrade.
FAQ: NICOR Lighting 6 Inch Shower Trim
Q: Does this trim come with a bulb?
A: No, the bulb is sold separately. We recommend using an LED bulb for energy efficiency and long life.
Q: Is this trim easy to install?
A: Yes, the NICOR 17505 is designed for easy installation. Most users report being able to install it in minutes.
Q: Is this trim suitable for use in a shower?
A: Yes, this trim is wet location rated, making it safe for use in showers and other damp environments.
Q: What size recessed can does this trim fit?
A: This trim is designed to fit most standard 6-inch recessed cans. However, it's always a good idea to double-check your can dimensions before purchasing.
Ready to brighten up your shower? Consider the NICOR Lighting 6 Inch White Recessed Shower Trim today!