As temperatures begin to dip and leaves start to fall, utilities across North America know what comes next: winter’s arrival. From sub-zero temperatures to ice storms and freezing rain, seasonal stressors can push electrical systems to the brink. But with the right preparation and dependable transformer components in place, those risks don’t have to result in outages.
At CMI, fall isn’t just another season. It’s a strategic window to help our utility partners gear up for the toughest months of the year. With decades of experience in manufacturing distribution transformers and critical components, we understand what it takes to build in long-term resilience. That’s why we stay stocked, ready, and responsive – so you can be, too.
Winter may be unpredictable, but your supply chain shouldn’t be. CMI works ahead of seasonal demand by stocking high-volume components and increasing readiness on our most in-demand winter-weather products. Our manufacturing facilities in Arkansas, Florida, and Canada are equipped to keep production moving and shipping on time, even when regional weather throws a curveball.
Our distribution partners and customers count on fast lead times, responsive service, and a proactive team who knows what’s coming and what it takes to stay ahead of it.
From bushings and transformer hardware to weather-resistant wildlife guards and cold-rated materials, we keep critical inventory moving so your teams can focus on delivering safe, uninterrupted power.
Why Winter Prep Matters for Transformer Performance
Transformer performance isn’t just about output. It’s about durability under pressure, especially when extreme weather conditions take center stage. Cold temperatures can:
- Thicken insulating oils, slowing heat dissipation
- Increase electrical resistance in aging components
- Expose weaknesses in seals and gaskets
- Make wildlife intrusion more common as animals seek shelter
That’s why fall preparation matters. It’s the season to inspect, upgrade, and reinforce.
Whether you’re performing preventive maintenance or placing a new order, here are four key factors to consider when preparing transformers and components for cold-weather performance:
1. Material Resilience
Cold weather can cause brittle failures in low-grade plastics or exposed metal components. Look for transformer parts molded from UV-stabilized, track-resistant polypropylene, like those used in CMI’s wildlife guards and bushing covers. These materials maintain integrity in extreme temps and resist cracking, even below freezing.
2. Moisture Management
Winter brings melting snow, rain, and condensation that can seep into weak seals or exposed hardware. Ensure your transformer components are weather-sealed, corrosion-resistant, and designed for high moisture environments. CMI’s gasketed bushing assemblies and tight-sealing hardware are built with this in mind.
3. Wildlife Protection
Colder weather drives animals toward warm, elevated surfaces, including transformer mounts and energized bushings. That’s why fall is a smart time to install wildlife guards. CMI’s trigger-installed (TI) guards offer a fast, secure snap-fit install – even with a hot stick – so you can defend the grid without disrupting operations.
4. Versatile Fit & Fast Installation
Time matters during maintenance windows. Products with universal compatibility across multiple brands and bushing types, like our TUF Ex Mount Bushings or AB Cap, help streamline the process, reducing delays and minimizing field frustration when speed is key.
We Build Power…Even in the Cold
Whether it’s a custom assembly or a quick-ship component order, CMI stands behind the promise of power that performs under pressure. Our customers span coast to coast, from sunny states to harsh northern territories. That’s why we build every product to endure, adapt, and protect.
We’re not just preparing for winter – we’re making sure you’re ready to face it head-on with equipment you can count on and a team who understands what reliability really means.
Let’s Get Ahead of the Weather
Fall is the time to act. If your teams are planning upgrades, ordering new stock, or reviewing cold-weather readiness, CMI is ready to support. Visit webuildpower.com to explore our transformer components, wildlife protection solutions, and product specs for winter performance.
