An electrical leakage detection method and system for use with laparoscopic electrosurgical instruments are provided. The present disclosure provides for an electrosurgical unit for providing electrosurgical energy at an active output thereof and for controlling the flow of the energy through the active output an active electrode coupled to the active output for transmitting electrosurgical energy to a patient in an electrosurgical procedure a first sensor disposed at a distal end of the active electrode and for outputting a first signal indicative of current measured at the distal end a second sensor disposed at a proximal end of the active electrode and for outputting a second signal indicative of current measured at the proximal end and a comparison circuit coupled to the first and second sensors for receiving the first and second signals and determining a difference value, the difference value being indicative of leakage current.
