This guide presents an overview of the existing and emerging temperature monitoring systems related to power cable installations. It summarizes the features@ benefits@ and limitations of both discrete and distributed temperature monitoring for cable ratings. This guide addresses the various aspects of userinterface and data communication issues needed to make the system more effective and more userfriendly. Purpose The purpose of this guide is to assist users in applying offline or real-time temperature monitoring of power cable systems by addressing the following major issues: a) Type of cable system installation: existing or new. b) Circuit length@ type of terrain@ and backfill along the cable route that may favor the use of distributed rather than discrete temperature measurement or vice versa. c) Advantages/disadvantages of using a real-time monitoring versus offline monitoring system. d) System complexity@ performance@ reliability@ and maintenance. e) Recommended design@ operating criteria@ and data transfer. f) Influence of adjacent circuits.