A method for remote control of an electrosurgical device over a network is provided. The method including transmitting an activation request from a remote device to an electrosurgical device over a network, activating the electrosurgical device to output electrosurgical energy in response to receiving the activation request, starting a timer in response to receiving the activation request, and deactivating the electrosurgical device in response to at least one of the timer exceeding a predetermined time value or receiving a deactivation request from the remote device.