A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a handle assembly, and an electrode activation assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a knife, and an electrode assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, and an arm. The arm can pivot the second jaw between the open position and the closed position. The arm can pivot relative to the housing between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The electrode activation assembly includes an activation button associated with the handle assembly, a resilient body, and a detent associated with either the housing or the arm. The activation button can activate the electrode assembly in response to the arm pivoting to the third position. The resilient body includes a first cam feature. The detent can engage the first cam feature as the arm pivots between the first position and the second position.
