Cu-based self-lubricating composites are the most widely used sliding electrical contact materials due to their superior combined properties of high mechanical strength, excellent electrical and thermal conductivities and self-lubricating property. In this paper, the lubricating mechanism of Cu-based self-lubricating composites was reviewed based on the formation process of solidlubricating film at the tribo-interface and it was commented that this solid-lubricating film is responsible for the good wear performance of Cu-based self-lubricating composites by preventing the direct contact between the frictional surfaces. Meanwhile, the electrical wear mechanisms of Cu-based self-lubricating composites were introduced and it was indicated that abrasive wear, adhesive wear, delamination wear and oxidation wear are the dominant wear mechanisms of Cu-based self-lubricating composites during sliding electrical contact. Finally, the currently existing problems in the field of Cu-based self-lubricating electrical contact composites and corresponding research directions were put forward.