AbstractThis paper considers the use of contact electrical conductivity to analyse boundary lubrication at various temperatures. The main mechanisms of contact conductivity within the temperature range typical of lubricated tribosystems are discussed. Special equipment is described for temperature investigation and experimental data are presented on electrophysical methods. Model experiments with static nominal point contacts bring to light some peculiarities of the behaviour of boundary films when heated. Analysis of electrical and frictional characteristics under sliding shows the contact resistance method to be promising in the thermal testing of boundary films.