On the basis of numerical simulation of heating of symmetric contacts with flowing current, conclusions were drawn about the accuracy of determining the temperature by the Holm-Kohlrausch method for various methods of cooling the contacts, including with intensive air and liquid cooling. The possibility to apply this method at pulse heating of the contacts has been considered. The dependence of accuracy of determination of the temperature of contact pads on the choice of points of measurement of the surface temperature and potential difference has been revealed.