Series Part 1: Round squared frames
Wall penetrations are rarely standardised. This is particularly true in retrofit, upgrade, and pipe-led infrastructure projects.
While rectangular frames remain common for planned cable entries, round penetrations are frequently encountered in practice due to core drilling, pipe routing, and fabrication methods.
WallMax round squared frames (WRS) are designed to address these scenarios, combining a round external geometry with a square internal packing space. This allows installers to work with circular openings while retaining the flexibility of modular sealing.
Here’s Part 1 of our technical guide to WallMax frames – this time, focusing on the WRS.
What is a round squared frame?
WallMax round squared (WRS) frames consist of:
- • A round outer frame designed to fit circular penetrations or sleeves
- • A square internal packing space designed to accommodate WMR series modules
- • Flanged bolt compression sealing, removing the need for expander systems or retainer plates
- • Optional external sleeve compatibility for additional installation flexibility
- • Availability in multiple materials to suit different environments
The square packing space allows for multiple module combinations, supporting mixed cable and pipe entries within a circular penetration.
This makes round squared frames particularly suited to installations where you might require flexibility inside a round opening.
Where round squared WallMax frames are typically used
Round squared frames are most commonly specified where round penetrations already exist or where round drilling is preferred. This can cover many scenarios – we’ll list some of the most common use cases below.
1. Core-drilled entries in existing structures
When contractors core drill or hole drill through concrete walls, they create round penetrations, not square ones.
In these instances, WallMax rectangular frames would then require:
- • Cutting the opening larger
- • Squaring the hole
- • More structural intervention
- • More install time
In contrast, round squared frames:
- • Fit directly into round core-drilled holes
- • Speed up retrofit installations
- • Reduce civil works
Core drilling is widely used in concrete wall, substation buildings, plant rooms, utility enclosures, and for existing infrastructure upgrades. So, for these project types, the WRS frame makes an ideal choice for installers.
2. Retrofit installations / upgrade works
When you’re upgrading cable or pipe entries in existing infrastructure, you’re rarely starting from scratch.
You often encounter:
- • Existing sleeves
- • Circular penetrations
- • Conduit penetrations
- • Legacy pipe entries
Here, round squared frames allow:
- • Easier adaptation to existing openings
- • Less demolition
- • Faster installation
Round squared WallMax frames provide a way to upgrade sealing performance without major structural changes. So, they’re well suited to retrofit works across utilities and industrial environments.
3. Structurally constrained installations
In some cases, creating a rectangular penetration is not practical due to:
- • Reinforcement constraints
- • Limited wall space
- • Structural integrity requirements
Here, round squared frames allow:
- • Easier adaptation to existing openings
- • Less demolition
- • Faster installation
Round penetrations generally require less structural removal, making WallMax WSR frames useful where you need to minimise structural modification.
4. Pipe-led installations
Round squared frames are especially logical when pipes dominate, for fairly obvious reasons:
- • Pipes are naturally circular
- • Core drilling for pipes is standard practice
Pipe-heavy applications (as opposed to cable-heavy) are common across multiple sectors:
- • Water utilities
- • District heating
- • Industrial plants
- • Energy infrastructure
- • Pump stations
In this scenario, our round squared WallMax frames allow circular pipe penetrations while maintaining modular flexibility. (If, for exampe, you require multiple services within the same entry.)
5. Prefabricated and fabricated structures
On-site, some equipment arrives with:
- • Pre-drilled circular entries
- • Cylindrical sleeves
- • Fabricated round penetrations
You might find this, for example, in:
- • Fabricated steel structures
- • Containerised equipment
- • Modular substations
- • Skid-mounted systems
So, WallMax round squared frames align with these fabrication methods and allow sealing solutions to be integrated without redesigning penetrations.
Installation approach
You can find WallMax installation support on our YouTube channel.
As a quick overview here, though, you’d achieve sealing with round squared frames by:
- • Positioning the frame within the circular penetration
- • Installing the required WMR modules within the square packing space
- • Tightening flange bolts to compress and seal the system
This bolt-compression approach removes the need for expanders or retainer plates and allows for controlled, repeatable installation.
Round frames for single pipe applications
Where you require only a single pipe or cable entry, the WallMax round frame (WR) offers a more appropriate solution.
WallMax round frames are designed specifically as pipe transit solutions. The two-part structure is supplied pre-assembled with a single round module, designed to accommodate and seal the passage of one pipe.
Each model supports a defined range of pipe diameters. In turn, this allows you to select the appropriate frame based on pipe size.
Round frames are typically used where:
- • You require a single pipe penetration only
- • No scalability is needed
- • You’re prioritising installation simplicity
- • Space constraints limit larger frame options
This makes round WallMax frames particularly suitable for dedicated pipe entries. Meanwhile, round squared frames remain the preferred option when you require multiple services or future flexibility.
Choosing WallMax frames: round squared, round, or rectangular
We offer multiple WallMax frames to suit multiple installation scenarios. Selecting the appropriate frame depends on factors such as penetration type, service configuration, and installation constraints. As a quick summarised overview:
Round squared frames are typically specified where:
- • Circular penetrations already exist
- • Core drilling is preferred
- • Pipe-led installations dominate
- • Structural modification must be minimised
- • Prefabricated structures are used
Round frames are typically specified where:
- • You require a single pipe transit
- • You need a compact, dedicated solution
Rectangular frames come in a multitude of options. (Flanged, openable, modular, holed, mini – we’ll explore these options in our upcoming technical frame guides – rectangular edition.) Broadly speaking for our purposes here, though, they’re typically specified for:
- • New-build installations
- • Planned cable layouts
- • Large multi-service entries
Your sealing specialists
We’re technical sealing experts here at FILOform. Over the coming weeks, we’ll share more WallMax installation content to help you specify in your projects. In the meantime, don’t forget that we’re here to help.
We offer a fully managed service, including installation support and bespoke solutions. Drop us a message if we can help.
Get in touch to discuss how WallMax could support your next project
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