There are different degrees of heating phenomenon in the operation of power transmission and distribution equipment, and the phenomenon has a great influence on the operation reliability of the equipment. In order to meet the requirements for security, stable operation and intelligent detection of power transmission and distribution equipment, the characteristics of heating failure of power transmission and distribution equipment are introduced. The principle, application and related research of the existing temperature indication technology are analyzed, including infrared temperature measurement technology, Thermocouple temperature sensor, FBG technology, SAW technology and thermochromic materials proposed by our team. At the same time, the advantages and limitations of these temperature indicating technologies are analyzed, so as to inspire researchers to develop more advanced temperature indicating technology.