The paper reports on search for additional criteria to estimate the electrical connection state in the operating mode characterized by abrupt change in electric current parameters. The results obtained in the course of theoretical studies are based on the use of methods of mathematical and experimental modeling of thermal processes in electrical connections of a traction power supply system. New criteria for estimating the state of the electrical connection for cyclic traction load have been found out. Investigation of the defectiveness ratio in the “heating-cooling” cycle makes it possible to estimate the current state of the electrical connection under service conditions.