An electrosurgical system includes a generator, a delivery device, a return device, and a return electrode monitor (REM). The delivery device is in electrical communication with the generator and has a delivery electrode configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. The return device has a first jaw member including a first return electrode and a second jaw member including a second return electrode. The first and second jaw members are configured to capture tissue between the first and second return electrodes. The REM is disposed within the generator and is in electrical communication with the first and second return electrodes to return electrosurgical energy delivered to tissue to the generator. The REM is configured to determine a size of a return contact area of the first and second return electrodes with tissue to prevent delivery of electrosurgical energy from the generator to tissue when the size of the return contact are is below a threshold size.
