Skin temperature-rise studies were conducted on both dry and gelled copper and aluminum-foil disposable dispersive electrodes applied to the anterior surface of the thighs of six female human subjects. Current levels and durations typical of maximum values used in surgical procedures were employed. It was found that the dry electrodes produced a higher skin temperature rise than electrolyte-coated electrodes. Dry electrodes were also found to be less predictable than the same electrode type coated with low-resistivity electrode paste. A coefficient of performance has been developed for comparing the thermal performance of the electrodes. (However, the results herein should not be extrapolated to the newer dry insulated (capacitive) electrodes which have not yet been thermally evaluated.)