About this item
The PDQ I5207 is a 7-pin small format interchangeable core (SFIC) sold uncombinated- no pins, no keys, no keyway precut- ready to be specified and pinned to your existing BEST-format key system. If you've been searching "l5207-1-00"- that's the BEST Access Systems model number format for a 7-pin uncombinated SFIC. The PDQ I5207 is the direct cross-reference, BEST SFIC format compatible, and works in any housing built for BEST small format interchangeable cores including BEST, Arrow, Falcon, and other SFIC-compatible platforms.
What Uncombinated Means and Why It Matters
Uncombinated means the core ships with an empty plug- no driver pins, springs, or keys are set. The core accepts your keyway specification and gets pinned to your key system by your locksmith or key control vendor. This is the standard way to order SFIC cores when you're integrating into a large institutional or commercial master key program. You order the core uncombinated, provide your key system specifications (bitting list, master key levels, keyway), and your authorized service provider does the pinning before installation.
The alternative is ordering a combinated core, where the manufacturer pins it to a specific key. Combinated ordering makes sense for small quantities or standalone installations. For facilities running complex master key systems across multiple buildings- the primary use case for SFIC- uncombinated ordering through your key system manager is standard practice.
SFIC Format: What It Is and Who Uses It
SFIC stands for Small Format Interchangeable Core. It's a cylinder design where the core itself separates from the housing using a special control key. When you need to rekey a door, a building engineer inserts the control key, removes the old core, drops in a new core, and the door is immediately rekeyed. No locksmith, no disassembly, no tools required. Security is restored in seconds.
BEST Access Systems developed and popularized the SFIC format. It's now widely specified in healthcare, higher education, government buildings, and any facility that needs fast, managed rekeying capability. Because the PDQ I5207 is BEST format compatible, it drops directly into any housing that accepts BEST SFIC- which includes a very large installed base of commercial hardware across most major lock manufacturers that offer SFIC options.
6-Pin vs 7-Pin: Which One Your System Needs
The I5207 is a 7-pin core. The I5206 is the 6-pin version. The pin count must match your key system. BEST-format SFIC systems specify either 6 or 7 pins depending on what was established when the key system was originally designed. Confirm with your key system manager or locksmith before ordering- mixing pin counts in a system creates keying problems. If your facility runs BEST 7-pin SFIC, the I5207 is the correct core.
Keyway Selection
The I5207 is ordered with a keyway specification- the + Keyway designation means keyway is specified at order. PDQ SFIC cores integrate into existing master key systems, which means the keyway must match what's already running in your building. Do not assume a keyway- confirm with your key control administrator.
Specifications
Model: PDQ I5207
Cross-Reference: BEST SFIC format, l5207-1-00 equivalent
Type: Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC)
Pins: 7-pin
Combinating Status: Uncombinated (no pins, springs, or keys set from factory)
Format Compatibility: BEST SFIC format- compatible with BEST, Arrow, Falcon, and other SFIC-compatible housings
Keyway: Specified at order
Keys Included: 2 (when combinated)
Control Key: Required for core removal and installation (separate)
6-Pin Version: PDQ I5206
American Locksets has stocked PDQ IC cores since 2001.
Trusted Since 2001
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