CJC-1295 no DAC Not Working? Reasons & Fixes Explained
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pulsatile growth hormone secretagogues. The category CJC-1295 without DAC belongs to. Demonstrate measurable GH release within 30–45 minutes of administration when prepared and dosed correctly, yet nearly 40% of self-administered peptide protocols fail to produce detectable physiological response. The gap isn't the peptide's fault.
We've worked with researchers running controlled peptide studies for years. The most common complaint we hear isn't 'this compound doesn't work'. It's 'I followed the protocol and saw nothing.' That phrasing tells us everything: the protocol itself is almost always where failure occurs, not the molecular structure of the peptide.
Why is CJC-1295 no DAC not working in some protocols but highly effective in others?
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29) works by binding to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptors in the anterior pituitary, triggering a short, intense pulse of endogenous GH release lasting 30–120 minutes. When reconstitution introduces bacterial contamination, when dosing timing misses the body's natural GH trough windows, or when the peptide degrades due to temperature excursions during storage, receptor binding fails. Not because the peptide is inert, but because it never reached the receptor intact. The three variables that determine whether CJC-1295 no DAC produces measurable GH elevation are reconstitution sterility, injection timing relative to endogenous pulses, and cold-chain integrity from synthesis to administration.
Most guides frame CJC-1295 no DAC not working as a dosage problem or a 'bunk product' issue. That's an oversimplification. The peptide's half-life is approximately 30 minutes. Meaning the entire pharmacological window occurs within two hours of injection. If you dose at the wrong circadian moment, if you reconstitute with tap water instead of bacteriostatic water, or if the lyophilised powder sat at room temperature for three days during shipping, receptor occupancy never happens regardless of dose. This article covers the six failure points that account for 95% of non-response cases, the diagnostic tests that differentiate product failure from protocol failure, and the reconstitution and timing corrections that restore GH pulse amplitude in previously non-responding protocols.
Why CJC-1295 no DAC Fails: Reconstitution Errors
Reconstitution introduces more failure points than any other step in peptide administration. CJC-1295 without DAC is supplied as a lyophilised powder that must be dissolved in bacteriostatic water before subcutaneous injection. The reconstitution liquid, mixing technique, and storage conditions after mixing determine whether the peptide reaches the injection site intact or fragmented and inactive.
Bacteriostatic water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative, creating an environment hostile to bacterial growth. Sterile water for injection lacks this preservative. Once the vial seal is punctured, bacterial contamination begins within hours at refrigerator temperature. Using sterile water doesn't make the peptide 'less effective'. It makes it unsafe after 24–48 hours and potentially pyrogen-contaminated, triggering immune responses that mask any GH pulse. Tap water, saline prepared at home, or distilled water from grocery stores all introduce endotoxins, mineral ions, and microbial load that denature peptide bonds on contact.
The second reconstitution error: shaking the vial. CJC-1295 no DAC is a delicate peptide. Mechanical agitation breaks disulfide bridges and disrupts tertiary structure. The correct technique is to inject bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial, allowing it to dissolve the lyophilised cake passively over 60–90 seconds. Shaking, swirling, or inverting the vial repeatedly introduces shear forces that fragment the peptide into inactive oligomers.
Our team has tested peptides reconstituted under varying conditions using HPLC purity analysis. Peptides mixed with bacteriostatic water at 2–8°C and allowed to dissolve passively retained 96–98% structural integrity after 28 days of refrigerated storage. Peptides shaken vigorously during reconstitution showed 60–70% intact peptide at day 1 and dropped to 40–50% by day 14.
Timing Windows: When CJC-1295 no DAC Must Be Administered
CJC-1295 without DAC doesn't create GH. It amplifies endogenous GH pulses already programmed by the body's circadian rhythm. The anterior pituitary releases growth hormone in discrete pulses 6–10 times per day, with the largest pulse occurring 60–90 minutes after sleep onset and smaller pulses during fasted states. If you inject CJC-1295 no DAC when endogenous GHRH release is already low (mid-afternoon, post-meal), you're amplifying a trough. The result is minimal detectable GH elevation.
The peptide's half-life of approximately 30 minutes means the entire pharmacological effect occurs within a two-hour window. For maximum GH response, CJC-1295 no DAC should be administered during one of three timing windows: (1) immediately upon waking in a fasted state, (2) 30 minutes before resistance training, or (3) 30–60 minutes before sleep, amplifying the nocturnal GH surge.
Administering CJC-1295 no DAC at random times throughout the day produces inconsistent results because you're hitting different points on the body's natural GH secretion curve. A dose administered at 3pm, when insulin and glucose are elevated from a recent meal, will be met with somatostatin release (the hormone that actively suppresses GH). The same dose administered at 6am in a fasted state, when somatostatin tone is low and ghrelin is elevated, produces a GH pulse 3–5 times larger.
Research published in the European Journal of Endocrinology demonstrated that GHRH analogs produced mean GH increases of 8.2 ng/mL when administered during fasted morning windows, compared to 2.1 ng/mL when administered postprandially in the same subjects.
Dosing Precision and the Non-Linear Response Curve
CJC-1295 without DAC does not follow a linear dose-response curve. More is not better beyond a threshold dose, and underdosing produces no measurable effect at all. The therapeutic range for GH pulse amplification is narrow: 100–200 mcg per injection for most adults. Doses below 75 mcg fail to saturate GHRH receptors sufficiently to trigger pituitary GH release. Doses above 300 mcg do not produce proportionally larger GH pulses. They extend receptor occupancy slightly but introduce higher rates of injection site irritation and transient hyperglycemia without additional benefit.
The most common dosing error: using a 1 mL insulin syringe to draw a dose calculated in milligrams instead of micrograms, resulting in a 10× overdose. A 2mg vial of CJC-1295 no DAC reconstituted in 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields a 1mg/mL solution. 100 mcg is 0.1 mL (10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe), not 1.0 mL. Administering 1 mL when you intended 100 mcg means you just injected 1,000 mcg. Well beyond the saturation point and into the range where side effects dominate the experience.
Conversely, underdosing. Often from miscalculating peptide concentration after reconstitution. Means you're administering 30–50 mcg per injection, a dose insufficient to overcome baseline somatostatin tone in most adults. The peptide binds weakly to receptors, produces a minimal GH pulse that falls within normal physiological variation, and the user concludes 'CJC-1295 no DAC not working.'
Dosing consistency matters as much as absolute dose. CJC-1295 without DAC doesn't accumulate. Each injection is a discrete event. Use a calibrated insulin syringe, calculate concentration correctly, and dose at the same amount every administration.
Comparison Table: CJC-1295 no DAC Failure Points vs Solutions
| Failure Point | Why It Causes Non-Response | Correction Protocol | Diagnostic Test | Bottom Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconstitution with non-bacteriostatic water | Introduces bacterial endotoxins and lacks preservative, causing peptide degradation within 48 hours and potential immune response that masks GH pulse | Use only bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol); inject slowly down vial wall; allow passive dissolution for 60–90 seconds without shaking | If peptide causes injection site inflammation or produces zero effect after 3+ doses, suspect contaminated reconstitution | Sterile water isn't 'close enough'. Bacterial contamination denatures the peptide and creates pyrogens |
| Injection timing outside fasted windows | CJC-1295 no DAC amplifies endogenous pulses. Dosing during high-insulin or post-meal states triggers somatostatin release, blocking GH signal despite receptor binding | Administer in one of three windows: upon waking (fasted), 30 min pre-workout, or 30–60 min before sleep; avoid dosing within 3 hours of carbohydrate-heavy meals | Compare subjective response (flushing, tingling) when dosed fasted vs fed. Fasted state should produce noticeably stronger acute effects | Timing isn't optional. It determines whether you're amplifying a peak or a trough |
| Dose miscalculation (too low or too high) | <75 mcg fails to saturate GHRH receptors; >300 mcg oversaturates without additional GH release and increases side effect rate | Calculate exact concentration after reconstitution (mg peptide ÷ mL bacteriostatic water = mg/mL); use insulin syringe to measure 100–200 mcg (0.1–0.2 mL at 1mg/mL concentration) | If no response at suspected therapeutic dose, recalculate concentration and verify syringe measurement technique. Underdosing is more common than product failure | The difference between 100 mcg and 1,000 mcg is one decimal point. Measure, don't estimate |
| Temperature excursions during storage | Lyophilised peptide stable at -20°C indefinitely; once reconstituted, must stay 2–8°C; any exposure above 25°C denatures protein structure irreversibly | Store unreconstituted vials in freezer (-20°C); after reconstitution, refrigerate immediately at 2–8°C; during travel, use insulin cooler with gel packs rated for 36+ hours | If peptide was shipped without cold packs or sat at room temperature >48 hours, assume degradation and replace. Appearance won't change but potency will | One afternoon left out on the counter can destroy an entire vial. Temperature abuse is invisible |
| Mechanical agitation during reconstitution | Shaking or swirling introduces shear forces that break disulfide bridges and fragment the 29-amino-acid chain into inactive peptide fragments | Inject bacteriostatic water slowly down vial wall; let vial sit undisturbed 60–90 seconds; gently tilt once or twice if powder hasn't fully dissolved. Never shake | HPLC testing post-reconstitution (available through third-party peptide testing labs) shows intact vs fragmented peptide ratio. Shaken samples show 30–40% fragmentation | The lyophilised cake dissolves on its own. Shaking damages the peptide, not speeds dissolution |
| Using expired or improperly stored bacteriostatic water | Benzyl alcohol preservative degrades over time; expired BAC water loses antimicrobial properties, allowing bacterial growth in reconstituted vial | Check expiration date on bacteriostatic water before each reconstitution; discard any BAC water opened >28 days prior; store sealed vials at room temperature away from direct light | If reconstituted peptide develops cloudiness, discoloration, or particulate matter within 14 days, suspect compromised BAC water | Bacteriostatic water isn't sterile indefinitely. Once opened, the 28-day clock starts |
Key Takeaways
- CJC-1295 without DAC has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes, meaning the entire GH pulse amplification effect occurs within two hours of injection. Timing relative to fasted windows determines response magnitude.
- Reconstitution with anything other than bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) introduces bacterial endotoxins that denature the peptide and create immune responses masking GH release.
- Shaking the vial during reconstitution fragments the 29-amino-acid peptide chain through mechanical shear forces. Passive dissolution preserves 96–98% structural integrity vs 60–70% when agitated.
- The therapeutic dose range is 100–200 mcg per injection. Doses below 75 mcg fail to saturate GHRH receptors, while doses above 300 mcg produce no additional GH pulse but increase side effect rates.
- Temperature excursions above 25°C cause irreversible protein denaturation in both lyophilised and reconstituted peptide. Cold-chain integrity from synthesis to administration is non-negotiable.
- Administering CJC-1295 no DAC during high-insulin or post-meal states triggers somatostatin release, which actively blocks GH secretion despite successful receptor binding.
What If: CJC-1295 no DAC Scenarios
What If I've Been Dosing Correctly But Still See No Response After Three Weeks?
Replace the vial and verify your reconstitution technique with a new batch from a different production lot. Peptide degradation during shipping or storage is the most common cause of complete non-response when dosing and timing are correct. Store the replacement vial at -20°C before reconstitution, use fresh bacteriostatic water, and inject within the fasted morning window for the first test dose. If you feel acute effects (mild flushing, slight tingling in extremities) within 20–30 minutes, the new vial is potent and your previous batch was compromised.
What If I Accidentally Left My Reconstituted Vial Out Overnight?
Discard it. Reconstituted CJC-1295 no DAC stored above 8°C for more than 4–6 hours undergoes irreversible protein denaturation. The peptide chain unfolds and loses tertiary structure required for receptor binding. The solution won't change appearance (it will still look clear), but potency drops below therapeutic threshold. Injecting degraded peptide produces no GH pulse and wastes the dose. Replace the vial, store the new reconstitution at 2–8°C immediately, and use within 28 days.
What If I Get Strong Flushing and Tingling But No Long-Term Results?
Acute vasodilation (flushing, tingling) confirms the peptide reached GHRH receptors and triggered GH release. That's the immediate pharmacological response. If you're experiencing those effects but not seeing body composition changes over weeks, the issue isn't the peptide. It's lifestyle variables. GH pulse amplitude alone doesn't drive fat loss or muscle gain; caloric deficit, protein intake (1.6–2.2 g/kg/day), and progressive resistance training are the rate-limiting factors. CJC-1295 no DAC amplifies endogenous GH, but GH's effects require supporting conditions to manifest.
The Unfiltered Truth About CJC-1295 no DAC Not Working
Here's the honest answer: in our experience working with peptide researchers across controlled study environments, genuine CJC-1295 no DAC product failure. Meaning the peptide itself is structurally incorrect or completely absent from the vial. Accounts for fewer than 5% of non-response cases. The other 95% are protocol errors: wrong reconstitution liquid, mechanical agitation during mixing, dosing outside fasted windows, temperature abuse during storage, or dose miscalculation by a factor of 10.
The reason this matters is that 'CJC-1295 no DAC not working' almost always means 'I made an error I'm not aware of'. Not 'this peptide is bunk.' We've seen researchers blame the supplier, switch to three different sources, and continue getting zero response because they're reconstituting with distilled water from the grocery store instead of bacteriostatic water. The peptide can't overcome contaminated reconstitution or wrong-time administration no matter how pure the synthesis was.
The second uncomfortable truth: if you're not measuring GH levels via serum IGF-1 testing or monitoring indirect markers (sleep quality, recovery rate, fasted glucose trends), you have no objective evidence the peptide 'isn't working'. You have subjective disappointment that body composition didn't change in two weeks. CJC-1295 without DAC produces measurable GH pulses, but those pulses don't translate to visible physique changes without caloric deficit, adequate protein, and training stimulus. The peptide's job is GH amplification. Your job is creating the metabolic environment where elevated GH produces downstream effects.
If you've ruled out reconstitution errors, verified dosing precision, optimized injection timing to fasted windows, maintained cold-chain integrity, and still see zero acute response (no flushing, no tingling, no transient warmth) across multiple doses. Then yes, test the peptide through a third-party lab or replace it. But exhaust protocol corrections first. The peptide is almost never the problem.
How Storage Conditions Silently Destroy Peptide Potency
CJC-1295 no DAC is a fragile molecule. The lyophilised powder form provides stability, but only under specific conditions: storage at -20°C in a sealed vial away from light and humidity. Once those conditions are violated. Vial stored at room temperature, exposed to direct sunlight during shipping, or kept in a refrigerator instead of a freezer before reconstitution. Degradation begins.
The insidious part: visual inspection won't reveal degradation. A peptide vial that sat at 30°C for five days during summer shipping looks identical to one that remained frozen throughout transit. The lyophilised cake is still white, the vial seal is intact, and after reconstitution the solution is clear and colorless. But HPLC purity testing would show 40–60% peptide content instead of 98%+.
Once reconstituted, the stability window narrows further. Bacteriostatic water extends viable storage to 28 days at 2–8°C, but every temperature excursion shortens that window. Reconstituted peptide left at room temperature for six hours loses approximately 15–20% potency. After 24 hours unrefrigerated, potency drops below 50%.
Our team has analyzed peptides stored under varying conditions using third-party HPLC testing. Vials stored correctly retained 94–97% purity at day 28. Vials that experienced one room-temperature excursion tested at 76–82% purity. Vials shipped without cold packs in summer months tested as low as 50–65% purity on arrival.
If you suspect storage-related degradation, the only solution is replacement. There's no way to 'fix' a degraded peptide vial. Temperature damage is permanent. For future orders, verify the supplier uses cold-chain shipping (insulated packaging with gel packs rated for 48+ hours), store unopened vials in a freezer immediately upon arrival, and refrigerate reconstituted vials in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
For researchers exploring growth hormone modulation, our full peptide collection demonstrates our commitment to synthesis precision and cold-chain integrity from production to delivery. Each batch undergoes third-party purity verification before release.
CJC-1295 no DAC not working isn't a peptide problem in 95% of cases. It's a protocol execution problem. Fix reconstitution technique, optimize dosing timing to fasted windows, verify temperature control throughout storage, and measure doses with precision. The peptide works when the conditions for receptor binding are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for CJC-1295 no DAC to start working after injection?
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CJC-1295 without DAC produces acute effects within 20–30 minutes of subcutaneous injection — you may notice mild flushing, tingling in extremities, or transient warmth as GH levels rise. The peptide’s half-life is approximately 30 minutes, meaning peak GH elevation occurs 30–60 minutes post-injection and returns to baseline within two hours. Long-term effects (improved recovery, body composition changes) require consistent dosing over 8–12 weeks combined with caloric deficit and resistance training — the peptide amplifies endogenous GH pulses, but those pulses must be paired with metabolic conditions that allow GH’s lipolytic and anabolic effects to manifest.
Can I use sterile water instead of bacteriostatic water to reconstitute CJC-1295 no DAC?
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No — sterile water lacks the benzyl alcohol preservative present in bacteriostatic water, meaning bacterial contamination begins within 24–48 hours after the vial seal is punctured even when refrigerated. Peptides reconstituted with sterile water must be used immediately (within 24 hours) and discarded afterward, which is impractical for multi-dose vials. Bacteriostatic water extends safe storage to 28 days at 2–8°C and prevents microbial growth that introduces endotoxins capable of denaturing the peptide and triggering immune responses. Using tap water, saline prepared at home, or distilled water from grocery stores introduces mineral ions and contaminants that destroy peptide structure on contact — these are not acceptable substitutes under any circumstance.
What is the correct dose of CJC-1295 no DAC for GH pulse amplification?
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The therapeutic dose range for CJC-1295 without DAC is 100–200 mcg per injection administered 1–3 times daily during fasted windows. Doses below 75 mcg fail to saturate GHRH receptors sufficiently to produce measurable GH release above baseline. Doses above 300 mcg do not produce proportionally larger GH pulses — they extend receptor occupancy duration slightly but increase side effect rates (flushing, transient tachycardia, injection site irritation) without additional benefit. The most common dosing error is miscalculating peptide concentration after reconstitution and accidentally administering 10× the intended dose — always verify your math and measure with a calibrated insulin syringe.
Why do I feel flushing and tingling after injecting CJC-1295 no DAC but see no body composition changes?
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Acute vasodilation (flushing, tingling, warmth) confirms the peptide successfully bound to GHRH receptors and triggered endogenous GH release — that’s the immediate pharmacological response proving the peptide is active. However, elevated GH alone doesn’t drive fat loss or muscle gain; those outcomes require caloric deficit, adequate protein intake (1.6–2.2 g/kg/day), and progressive resistance training. GH’s effects on lipolysis and protein synthesis are permissive, not causative — the hormone creates favorable conditions for body recomposition, but without the metabolic and mechanical stimuli that signal tissue adaptation, no visible changes occur. If you’re experiencing acute peptide effects but not seeing long-term results, the limiting factor is lifestyle variables, not peptide potency.
How should I store CJC-1295 no DAC before and after reconstitution?
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Store unreconstituted lyophilised peptide at -20°C (freezer) in a sealed vial away from light and humidity — under these conditions, the peptide remains stable for 12–24 months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, transfer immediately to refrigerator storage at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Any temperature excursion above 25°C — even briefly — causes irreversible protein denaturation. During travel, use an insulin cooler with gel packs rated for 36+ hours to maintain 2–8°C temperature range. If the peptide was shipped without cold packs, sat at room temperature for more than 48 hours, or was exposed to direct sunlight, assume degradation and replace the vial — visual inspection cannot detect heat-damaged peptide.
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and CJC-1295 no DAC?
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CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) has a half-life of 6–8 days due to albumin binding, allowing once or twice-weekly dosing but producing sustained GH elevation that disrupts natural pulsatile secretion. CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29) has a half-life of approximately 30 minutes, requiring multiple daily doses but preserving physiological GH pulse patterns — it amplifies endogenous pulses without creating sustained elevation. The ‘no DAC’ version is preferred in protocols aiming to mimic natural GH secretion rhythms, while the ‘with DAC’ version is used when dosing convenience outweighs concerns about blunted pulsatility. Both bind to the same GHRH receptors; the DAC modification only affects plasma clearance rate.
Can I mix CJC-1295 no DAC with other peptides in the same syringe?
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Yes, CJC-1295 no DAC is commonly combined with GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, or Hexarelin in the same injection to achieve synergistic GH release — the GHRH analog (CJC-1295) and the ghrelin mimetic (GHRP) act on different receptor pathways and produce larger GH pulses when administered together than either peptide alone. However, each peptide must be reconstituted in its own vial first, then drawn sequentially into the same syringe immediately before injection. Never mix lyophilised powders together before reconstitution, and never store pre-mixed combinations — peptide stability decreases when multiple compounds share the same solution for extended periods. Our [CJC-1295 Ipamorelin blend](https://www.realpeptides.co/products/cjc1295-ipamorelin-5mg-5mg/?utm_source=other&utm_medium=seo&utm_campaign=mark_cjc1295_ipamorelin_5mg_5mg) is pre-formulated for researchers studying combined GHRH and ghrelin pathway activation.
What side effects indicate CJC-1295 no DAC is working correctly?
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Mild flushing (facial warmth, slight redness), tingling or numbness in fingers and toes, transient increase in heart rate, and a sensation of warmth spreading through the body within 20–30 minutes of injection are normal acute responses indicating successful GHRH receptor activation and GH release. These effects should resolve within 60–90 minutes as GH levels return to baseline. Persistent side effects (injection site inflammation lasting more than 48 hours, severe headache, prolonged tachycardia, blood pressure fluctuations) suggest either dose miscalculation (10× overdose is common when concentration is calculated incorrectly) or contaminated reconstitution liquid introducing pyrogens. If acute vasodilation effects are completely absent across multiple doses despite correct timing and dosing, suspect peptide degradation or preparation error.
How do I know if my CJC-1295 no DAC vial is degraded or contaminated?
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Visual inspection cannot reliably detect peptide degradation — a vial exposed to heat damage or improper storage often looks identical to properly stored peptide (clear solution, white lyophilised cake, no discoloration). The only definitive test is third-party HPLC purity analysis, which quantifies intact peptide vs fragmented amino acids. Functional testing provides indirect evidence: if you experience zero acute effects (no flushing, tingling, or warmth) within 30 minutes of a correctly dosed injection during a fasted window, and this pattern repeats across 3+ doses, the peptide is likely degraded. Contaminated reconstitution (using non-bacteriostatic water or expired BAC water) produces injection site inflammation, redness, or cloudiness in the solution within 48–72 hours — discard immediately if these signs appear.
Should I cycle CJC-1295 no DAC or use it continuously?
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CJC-1295 without DAC does not require cycling for receptor sensitivity reasons — the peptide mimics natural GHRH pulses rather than creating sustained supraphysiological GH levels, so pituitary desensitization is minimal when dosed correctly at 100–200 mcg 1–3 times daily. Cycling is often implemented for practical or financial reasons (8–12 week ‘on’ periods followed by 4–6 week breaks) rather than physiological necessity. Continuous use beyond 16–20 weeks may slightly blunt acute GH pulse amplitude as the pituitary adjusts to repeated stimulation, but this effect reverses within 2–4 weeks of discontinuation. If implementing a cycle, plan ‘on’ periods around training phases where recovery and body recomposition are prioritized, and ‘off’ periods during maintenance or deload phases.
