I Fig. 4. Simple line section. R-resist- actually varies.

The reactive load current I, exists during time

ance; I-reactive load current; l- T1. Energy loss in this line section is found by adding the losses
R capacitor current during each small period of time:
EL =(I1-I,)2RT1+(I2-Ic)2RT2+. +(In-Ic)2RTn .
(14)
-C EL =I, 2RT1+I22RT2+ ... +In2RTn+2IlIcRT1+
2I2IcRT2+... +2InlcRTn+IC2R(T2+T2+... +Tn) (15)
The energy loss with no capacitor is equal to
z ,I22RT2+I22RT2+... +In2RTn
__________ Therefore, the reduction in energy loss afforded by the ca-
In pacitor is:
<
I2 S1 AEL =2IcR(I1T,+I2T2+. +InTn)-Ic2R(Tl+T2+ +Tn)
I (16)
aI If T2 +T2+ +Tn = T, the total period of the load cycle,
a: eTI-1 T2 -TnS then:
TI ME 12T, +12T2 +... +InTn = the average reactive current times the
Fig. 5. Reactive load cycle for circuit of total period of the load cycle
Fig. 4. Ii exists during Ti or
IT1+ 12T2+. InTn= [I avg (average)](T) (17)
However
The results of the computer calculations for the sample I avg = (Imax)(LF) (18)
feeder circuit are shown in Figs. 3(B) and 3(C). Note that Therefore:
the annual savings in energy and peak losses are of the same
order of magnitude of the total annual cost of the capacitors. aEL= [2(Imax)(Ic)(LF)(R)-(IC)2(R)1T (19)
Note also that the voltage regulation problem is solved by in watt hours.
the capacitors. The voltage profile print-out is arranged in On an annual basis
the same fashion as the feeder exists; that is, a main line shown AEL =8.76R[(2)(I.a-)(Ic)(LF)-(Ic)2] (20)
in the vertical position and lateral branches tapped off the
main line. in kwh.

Appendix
Derivation of the simple energy loss reduction equation is
given here. Refer to Fig. 4. The two components of reactive
current in the line section are the load current that varies with
time and the constant capacitor current. Assume that the load
current varies in an infinite number of discrete steps as shown
in Fig. 5, since this is the manner in which the load current
References
1. ANALYSIS OF CAPACITOR APPLICATION AS AFFECTED BY LOAD
CYCLE, R. F. Cook. AIEE Transactions, pt. III-A (Power Apparatus
and Systems), vol. 78, Oct. 1959, pp. 950-57.
2. OPTIMIZING THE APPLICATION OF SHUNT CAPACITORS FOR
REACTIVE-VOLT-AMPERE CONTROL AND Loss REDUCTION, R. F.
Cook. Ibid., vol. 80, Aug. 1961, pp. 430-44.

Limitations on Stringing and Sagging Conductors

IEEE Committee Report

Summary: The subject of stringing and sagging conductors is
covered in three sections by three members of the Working
Group. Section 1 deals with conductor CREEP, and was prepared
by R. E. Larson, who is affiliated with the Rome Cable Division
of Alcoa. Section 2 concerns CLIPPING OFFSETS. It was written
by H. B. White, who is pnresently a consulting transmission en-
________________________________________
Paper 64-146, recommended by the IEEE Transmission and Dis-
tribution Committee and approved by the IEEE Technical Opera-
tions Committee for presentation at the IEEE Winter Power Meet-
ing, New York, N. Y., February 2-7, 1964. Manuscript submitted
November 11, 1963; made available for printing April 14, 1964.
Members of the IEEE Working Group of the Towers, Poles, and
Conductors Subcommittee of the IEEE Transmission and Distribu-
tion Committee are: W. C. FREEMAN, Chairman; H. W. Adams, F.
W. Farr, R. E. Larson, E. G. Lambert, J. B. Roche, Lionel Swift, H.
B. White, and R. W. Wood.
1230 Limitations on Stringing and Sagging Conductors
gineer, formerly with the Aluminum Company of Canada, Ltd.
Construction Practices, Section 3, was compiled by E. G. Lam-
bert, who is with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The authors treat the subject in a general way, and nothing
they say is to be interpreted as an attempt to set up specifica-
tions on stringing and sagging conductors. The paper
will have fulfilled its purpose, they believe, if the en-
. . . . . . .
gineer, in preparing his design, iS cognizant of the items out-
lined and if the specification writer considers the points care-
fully as he tackles each job in the relevant area.
Conductor Creep
Thflwopasidermtnofaeilshchcus
Thflwo ascdermtnofaerl hc cus
with timeafter the initial deformation caused by application
DECEMBER 1964
 .0I 0

TENSION_____ _ ___________ l Tm
17,520 LBS 40% ULtIMATE STRENGTH_____ _ ______ _ ________ X
13,14 0 LB S..30% ULTIMATE STRENGTH___________________
|10,880 LBS 24.8% ULTIMATE STRENGTH| llllll l llllll ll ll llll

Z .001 .01 Z1
w IJ
a. a.
z z
a. 00 -
0.

* 1< IIIIII111 11tHu===X:ioool0

____LL
w

L
Z.000I ooo01 _

THE THESE TESTS WERE MADE AT ROOM -

TEMPERATURES VARYING FROM 69T092.5F.

.00 i IL I - .00001
0. 1 1. O 10 100 poo1 10,000
ELAPSED TIME - HOURS (42 DAYS) (417DAYS)
Fig. 1. CREEP versus time curves-long-time tensile tests of 1,590,000 CM ACSR 45/7

of load-is known as CREEP. The initial flow may include
both elastic and plastic deformation, depending upon the
amount of stress. Conductor stress-strain curves show the
elastic deformation or elastic stretch and also the nonelastic
stretch or permanent increase in length resulting when the
load is first applied. CREEP, the additional nonelastic stretch,
develops gradually over a long period of time and without any
increase in load.
The rate of CREEP varies with tension, time, and tem-
perature. The higher the tension, the faster the rate. At
any given tension, the rate is at a maximum when the load is
first applied, but this decreases rapidly. The rate would be-
come greater with a temperature rise and no change in tension.
However, in practice, a rise in temperature is offset by a
lessening of tension, which decreases the rate of CREEP. With
ACSR (aluminum cable, steel-reinforced) and temperatures
above 100 F (degrees Fahrenheit), the CREEP could actually
be minimal. The materials used also enter into the picture;
for example, the rate for steel is much less than that for alu-
minum. But, by using ACSR, when temperatures increase,
most of the load shifts to the steel with little tension on the
aluminum.
The relation between CREEP and time may be determined
from long-time tensile tests on samples of conductors in which
the load is held constant for the duration of the test. When
CREEP is plotted against time on logarithmic scales, a straight-
line relationship results for each test tension. In the normal
range for conductors in service, the curves are substantially
parallel. At very high tensions, however, the rate of CREEP
may increase after the total elongation has reached a critical
value, in which case, conductor failure can be expected.
Since the curves have a straight-line relationship, a rea-
sonably accurate prediction may be made of the amount of
CREEP that a conductor might experience over the probable
DECEMBER 1964 Limitations on Strining and Saging Conductors
life of a transmission line on the basis of a relatively short
period of tests. This straight-line relationship has been
confirmed by tests continued for several years, in one case for
nearly 9 years; see Figs. 1 and 2.
The amount and rate of CREEP varies with conductor type
and stranding as well as with tension, time, and other factors.
CREEP of ACSR with higher percentages of steel and of 6201
and 5005 alloy conductors, with each conductor stressed to the
same per cent of its ultimate strength, is less than CREEP of
ACSR with low percentages of steel and of all-aluminum
EC (electrical conductivity) conductors.
The CREEP of conductors in service varies with climatic
and operating conditions. Since neither tensions nor tem-
peratures remain constant, certain assumptions must be made
as to time and temperature as a basis for determining sags
and tensions.
The diminishing CREEP rate, everyday tension, and design
of the line must be taken into account when deciding how
much correction to apply. Correction for CREEP that will
occur over a period of 10 to 30 years should be adequate with
a period of 10 years normally used.
CREEP is usually considered when preparing sag and
tension charts. If sag after CREEP is greater than it would be
after the maximum-design loading condition, then CREEP
is the governing factor in determining final sags and tensions.
When this is so, but when it has not been incorporated in
specific sag and tension charts, allowance for CREEP during
sagging can be made with a temperature-correction factor.
The temperature used to select the conductor sag is the
ambient temperature, minus a determined temperature
correction for CREEP. However, this method of CREEP com-
pensation will result in higher initial tensions than specified
and, depending upon the time relationship after stringing of
CREEP versus the occurrence of the maximum-design loading
1231

NOIA ULTImATE- 66:0 LBL|i4T <X
1SI
Z00:
W rrl
Li
Zzz M g:e- m1*
1-
Z
=1
*o001
0. UU.
1.0 10 100
ELAPSED TIME - HOURS
Fig. 2. CREEP versus time curves-long-time tensile tests of No. 8 ACSR
condition, the maximum conductor design tension could be
exceede(l.
The conductor, by the time it has been pulled out and
brought up to sag, is treated as having undergone an equiv-
alent of 1 hour of CREEP. Therefore, the initial sag data
used in stringing conductors have incorporated a 1-hour
CREEP factor. Sag caused by CREEP can, however, amount to
several inches within only a day. Fig. 3 gives the increase in
sag due to CREEP for 954,000-CM (circular mils) ACSR 48/7
for two different stringing tensions, the time ranging from 1
day to 30 years.
If initial sag in the stringing data is to be the criterion,
ii spector checks should be made prior to CLIPPING IN. If I
or more days elapse between SAGGING IN and such checks,
allowance should be made for increase in sag due to CREEP.
Sagging Offsets
WN'hen stringing conductor in hilly terrain, construction
crews frequently have difficulty in CLPPING IN the conductor
so that the insulator strings remain in a vertical position.
The difficulty can be overcome by using OFFSETS which may be
estimated on the spot by experienced men if the situation is
not complicated and the end result not too critical, but which
require office preparation for more important lines.
Fundamental to an understanding of the general problem
and its solution is a rope principle to the effect that, in a
freely supported flexible rope (conductor in sheaves), the differ-
ence in tension between any two points equals the difference
in elevation of the two points in feet, multiplied by the weight
per foot of the rope (parabolic derivation),
Within a span, the tension will increase in moving from the
low point of the sag towards the points of support, but this
variation can be neglected in most conductor work. Of
significance here, 'however, is the fact that the rope tension
1232 Limitations on Stringing and Sagging Conductors
.01 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
:
Z ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~60, NCl A OTN>
.001 Z
llllJ~S^--II<1IC--0
(l
w
z
I.-01-10 t
.00D
1000 10000 100,000
(APP.42 DAYS) (APP. '14 MOS.) (APP. 11 1/2YRS.)
continues to change when passing over the sheave into the ad-
jacent span; thus, if low points of adjacent spans are at differ-
ent elevations, there will be differences in horizontal tensions
in these spans. As all sagging work is based on uniform values
of H (horizontal tension) throughout the stringing section, sags
will not be consistent with calculated values. Minor variations
on reasonably level ground can be tolerated, but with the
conductor on sheaves in hilly terrain, the large differences in
elevation of the low points of successive spans can cause dif-
ferences between HI of the lower span and H. of the upper
span of several hundred up to 1,000 pounds.
This large difference in horizontal tension of the conductor
in sheaves will cause an error in sag and off-plumb insulator
strings.
As chart sags for a given section are based on a common
value of Ho, the sag in one span may be correct, but in another
will be too small -or too large. In hilly terrain, no amount of
juggling of the conductors up or down while in the sheaves
will produce simultaneous correct sags in all spans.
In the desired final CLIPPED IN state with insulator strings
hanging vertically, only vertical forces can be applied through
the clamps to the conductor. The values of the horizontal
tensions in adjacent spans, Ho, therefore can be equal to each
other and to the chart tensions and the desired sags in all spans
inl the section can be realized simultaneously.
WVith the correct amount of conductor strung into the sec-
tion, H5 will be greater than Ho and this greater than HI while
in the sheaves; and sags in the upper section will, therefore,
be less than charted while, in the lower section, they will be
more than charted.
The difference between IN-SHEAVE sags and the desired
CLIPPED-IN or chart sags must be computed, therefore, for all
spans. This permits SAGGING IN, SO that the correct total
amount of conductor will be placed in the section. The next
DECEMBEBR 1964
 1000 1000

500 500

z
200 20 --- - 2O0: Z
r 6050 LBS. (12,000 LBS. MAX. TENSION-HEAVY LOADING)
- i3455 LBS. (8,000 LBS. MAX. TENSION-HEAVY LOADING)
CL !00-_' 0 a.

w w
o
50 1 1111111
11 Llili
111111II= i L___
=__ ._ _= =-
_ z50
0
I-

~~~~~w
1''20 r i3 f Si i 1 l f 1v IS20
OP

o IOO
000__~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 0 z
U3C C0-Cs4
Z~~~~~~~.000 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4

IO z30 YEARS

Fig. 3. Conductor CREEP, 60 F, 17000-foot span-954,000 CM ACSR 48/7

step is to apply- clamps, OFFSET a calculated distance from a is only for individual span OFFSETS, not exceeding 15 inches.
verticalI throulgh the point of support, so that the conductor For more serious cases, the long-form technique is required.
is pulled up and out of the lower slack spans and put into the Even a quick inspection of these forms though-they are rela-
Eniner
overly ofteBneilwoe
tightnvr
upper spans. diitainhv vrtesevs
tively seilyweeeteedfeecsi
clear and concise, will indicate how time-consuming and
bult)ie og onanu eri ayyas
o the pnlntsocr of -OFFSETS will be for a hlong length
A.n individual
Coseunty 4hyhv ocs of
span is a measure
OFFSET for aeeoe aua chailge
eh expensive the calculation
fschPUBMRIGSaomloeain akn
niiqe
of slackfor
necessary therein to change tension from H,, ora Hio-
coptn-ohteOFESadrqie to andline.
of
otao
Even by5f
intllto
in written to
employing
tigig
one of several computer pro-
OFSTwi1adoltecsfclua
fastainrqie prcal
nAEin
tins Thes difference
Ho, this tension being 4n exlie
--r -rsne a function of difference grams perform these operations the cost is not
elevation. The OFFSET or change of slack will be small negligible.
if the coinductor is tightly strung and spans are small; con- Installation of OFFSETS in t-he field also can be time-con-
versely, it will be large with relatively low tensions and long suming and expensive. After SAGGING. IN, all towers must be
spans. climbed and at least PL-UMB MARKED before CLIPPING IN starts.
The gross or final insulator OFFSET at a tower is the algebraic There is strong support for PLUMB MAKING the conductor at
summation of the individual span OFFSETS to one side of the each support on the day of SAGGING IN, whether OFFSETS are
is
tower-representing, 3hage
accratenly fo for example, Fig. theCondulctor
amount CReEP 60orf,r 1,00-foo
of conductor to besa ne
used-95,00
or not.CMWhen 48/7tnrug
ACS lifting eran
the conductor off theceki
sheave
that must be taken out of all lower spans and passed uphill with a coffin hoist for armorino, the co-nductor will shift along
throulgh the mzedian tower to slacken the upper spans. the line because it must be grabbed ahead or back a sufficient
Several excellent
tep S o plyclmp,OFSERattempts have been made to solve
calulte disitatince fom ty an distance
this to clear the position
Saisnly forndidualorspa of the armor rods. Once dis-
OFSTS2o3ecein35inhs
problenm of cornputing offsets and as far back as 15 years ago, turbed, the conductor will not roll back within each span to its
short sections of line through very difficult terrain were correct position, and it may have moved as-much -as a foot
analyzed rigorously and correct offsets and sag adjustments at each support. Leaving the conductor in sheaves overnight,
computed. The methods proved rather unwieldy, however, without having it PLUMB MARKED, can result in clipping errors;
for long sections of line through mountains. also, temperature changes and winads can move the conductor
advisable to determine whether or not OFFSETS are required.
A stringing section which includes some of the larger changes
in elevation and some long spans can be checked in a few
hours by the short-form method.
There is some difference of opinion as to the limits below
which OFFSETS can be neglected. One utility, with possibly
the most experience in stringing in very rough terrain, supplies
OFFSET and sag-correction data to the contractor if:
1. An individual spanOFFSETiSgreater than 2 inches.
2. The summation of idividual span OFFSET IS greater than
3. Individual sag correction is greater thlan 1 foot.
Another utility considers their use only where the individual
span OFFSET exceeds 6 inches or the individual sag correction
exceeds 2 feet, but this set of limitations was applied to a
line built in a remote area where ground clearance was not
critical.
In some cases, stringing and sagging operations can be
adjusted to eliminate the need for OFFSETS. A hypothetical
case would be a line running along a valley, climbing up the
side to the rim, and then going evenly at the higher level for
several miles.
Differences in elevation may be modest, producing differ-
ences between HX and HI of only a few hundred pounds and
limiting the individual OFFSETS or slack adjustment in each
span to a few inches.
However, if the SAGGING-IN section should include six upper
spans as well as six lower spans, the gross or final OFFSETS at
towers on the top and bottom of the rise can be as much as
18 to 24 inches and, on adjacent towers, as much as 15 to
20 inches. Calculation and application of OFFSETS could be
avoided in this case if one SAGGING-IN section were terminated
just before the appreciable and continuing change in line eleva-
tion.
A number of rule-of-thumb field techniques have been
developed and are used with limited success to overcome this
problem of inclined insulator strings. Most, if not all of them,
are based on the geometry of the conductor and insulator
string at a given tower in the IN-SHEAVE condition.
These techniques can provide a partial remedy in the hands
of an experienced foreman when the problem is rather simple,
such as when the stringing section contains a single hill or
change in elevation. As these methods take no account of
changes in horizontal tension with elevation, and in slack
that must be made to equalize such tensions, they cannot be
considered reliable tools of the trade.
Construction Practices
HANDLING AND STRINGING CONDUCTORS
Come-Alongs
A COME-ALONG, or combination of COME-ALONGS, should be
capable of holding perhaps 50% over the sagging tension--
including prestress--without slipping. The COME-ALONG
must fit exactly the size of the conductor in use. For bolted-
type COME-ALONGS, the uniform installation torque of the eye-
bolts should be specified, then obtained by making 3 to 6
passes along the bolts, tightening them to an equal and slightly
higher torque with each pass. The bolts should be period-
ically retightened when load is applied or at certain intervals
if the load is held over a long period of time.
Sock-Line Length, Type, Etc.
Sock-line lengths will vary as to use and requirements with
methods of stringing conductors. For regular stringing
1234 Limitations on Stringing and Sagging Conductors
methods of slack or little back tension, sock lines should, at
least, equal the longest span so that the conductor will string
in position. Tension stringing requirements are for sock
lines as long as the reel lengths, either single or spliced-joined.
Sock lines should not rotate against stranded conductor lays.
Swivels and other features should be used if necessary.
Suitable Protection of Cable If Allowed to Drag on Ground
Lagging, if used, should be clean and free of nails, wire,
or any objects that could damage conductor. sap or resin-
No lagging
type lagging should be used. Avoid round-type as it
tends to roll away from the conductor.
Limitations of Tension If Tension Stringing Is Used
Creep characteristics of conductor should aid in determining
allowable maximum stringing tension. Normal tensions are
necessary to clear obstructions or ground. If possible, less
than half the normal sag is a good criterion.
Maximum Stringing Lengths Allowed
How many stringing sheaves the front of a conductor
travels through without damage to the cable, the condition
of stringing sheaves, tension allowable for stringing, type of
terrain, and profile--all are factors that govern length. Even
with the best of stringing sheaves, it is impossible to eliminate
all friction. If very long pulls are made, over possibly 15 or
20 towers, tension near the pulling machines may be sub-
stantially higher than in the spans back at the tension-brake
equipment. Attention must be given to this if great accuracy
is expected from the sagging work.
Splicing Conductors
The installation of compression deadends or compression
splices will result in the squeezing out or loosening of the
aluminum strands adjacent to the fitting. When the conduc-
tor is subjected to tension, this normal amount of looseness
works itself out if there is sufficient space or distance to the
next compression fitting. This necessary length varies with
conductor diameter. A minimum of 100 feet is required for
large 3-layer conductors and down to 50 feet for smaller sizes.
Minimum distance of splice from a suspension point is that
which allows armor rods and dampers to be installed in their
proper locations. A minimum of 25 feet represents good
practice. Manufacturers' recommendations for the installa-
tion of compression splices should be followed. The finished
splice should be smoothed to lower corona level.
Repair or Cutting Out of Damaged Sections
Manufacturers' recommendations for use of repair-type
accessories are adequate. If steel core damage occurs, re-
pairs should consist of a full tension splice.
Limitations of Location of Stringing Equipment
Overloading of crossarms and equipment should be pre-
vented where high stringing and sagging tensions are used.
Stringing equipment installed too close to the tower base can
impose loads on the tower crossarm that will easily exceed the
design strength.
Sagging Conductors
Accuracy in computation should be imperative. Sags and
tensions are based on profiles, ruling spans, clearances, and
load conditions. Sags for long-span transmission construc-
tion should be made with optical instrument methods. Per-
missible limits of sag lengths should be controlled by profile,
DECEMBER 1964
terrain, and other elements to insure correct tensions in all
spans. Sag checks should include front and back sections of
pulls, including individual checks in adjacent spans of heavy
angles.
Accuracy of Sags
The longer spans in a sag section may be used for sagging
the conductor in order to realize increased sensitivity. How- distribute load to arm.
ever, where a subsequent sag check involves appreciable
changes in temperatures, the ruling span will prove most reli- 9. Provide suitable protection of cable if allowed to drag on
able. When checking sags, it should be remembered that CREEP
of conductor will occur.
Sag Charts or Curves To Be Used
Sags computed by using stress-strain and CREEP relation--
Ship,bagsconmtenary psingstropess-strtis,areand
ship, based on catenary properties, are recommended.recomme13. bundleSpecify precautions in using running boards for stringing
Offsets
In hilly terrain, OFFSETS are great assets. Profiles should
be checked for difficult sag sections.
Installing Armor Rods and Dampers
Armor rods should be centered in relation to support points,
and dampers installed exactly as recommended spacings call
for, being sure they are attached tightly to the conductor.
Spacers
Spacers, installed at locations specified, must be attached
tightly to the conductors. Any slipping between spacer
clamps and conductors will lead to rapid conductor wear. On
many lines, the spacer is needed to restore a bundle to its
normal position after twisting, caused by galloping or ice
unloading, and the spacer cannot perform this function if
there is any slip between it and the conductor.
Method of Checking Temperatures
Temperatures should be obtained by direct measurement
with thermometer for all conductor sizes. Thermometers
may be placed inside a short length of conductor or inside
an aluminum tube of approximately the conductor diameter,
hung at least 15 feet above the ground to eliminate ground
effects.
ITEMS To BE CONSIDERED IN SPECIFICATIONS ON STRINGING
AND SAGGING OF CONDUCTOR
A check list of do's and dont's is provided so that no im-
portant feature will be neglected in any of the four categories
indicated by the four headings which follow.
When Handling and Stringing Conductors
1. Prevent damage to conductors and line structures.
DECEMBER 1964 Limitations on Stringing and Sagging Conductors
2. Avoid extrene be.nding of conductors.
3. Avoid reel damuage.
4. Choose type of COME-ALONG to use and method of attachment.
5. Decide on sock-line length and type.
6. Size, type, and condition of stringing sheave must be selected.
7. Hang sheave on crossarms in a position which will properly
8. Locate place for sheave below crossarm.
ground.
10. Limit tension if tension stringiing is used.
11. Specify maximnum allowable stringing lengths.
12. Specify minimum lengths of conductor to splice.
conductors.
14. Minimum time should be allowed before marking or CLIP-
PING IN.
15. Repair or cut out damaged sections.
16. Limit the amount of stringing equipment on each location.
When in- Cod uctor
2. Decide on prestressing methods, if used.
3. Find location and number of spans to determine sag.
4. Allow for tolerances for accuracy of sag.
5. Decide method of checking temperatures.
6. Specify sag charts or curves to be used.
7. Specify records to be checked.
8. UseOFFSETsags where applicable.
When Handling Insulators and Hardware
1. Avoid breakage.
2. Be sure cotter keys are fully inserted in insulator caps.
3. Avoid bending insulator string to the point of bending ball
pins.
4. Clean the insulators.
5. State which direction cotter k-eys should face.
6. Check accuracy of plurmbing strings after CLIPPING IN.
7. Guard against nicks, scratches, or other flaws of corona rings,
if used.
When Installing Armor Rods, Dampers, and Spacers
1. Center rods on conductor.
2. Avoid nicking conductor.
3. Avoid distorting preformed rods.
4. Allow tolerances in location of dampers, if used.
5. Allow tolerances in location of spacers, if used.
1235