Electrosurgical plug for energy activation of surgical instruments

An electrosurgical system comprising:

• an electrosurgical generator including an active terminal and a return terminal;
• an electrosurgical instrument including an active electrode;
• a return instrument including a return electrode;
• an active plug configured to connect to the active terminal of the electrosurgical generator;
• a return plug configured to connect to the return terminal of the electrosurgical generator to electrically couple the return electrode to the return terminal;
• an active cable extending from the return plug to the electrosurgical instrument, the active cable in electrical communication with the active electrode;
• a return cable extending from the return plug to the return instrument;
• a connector cable extending from the active plug to the return plug;
• and
• a mechanical switch mechanism disposed within the return plug, the mechanical switch mechanism having a disengaged position in which the active plug is electrically disconnected from the active cable and an engaged position in which the active plug is in electrical communication with the active cable.