Hand-held sources of energy for cutting and haemostasis have become central to pelvic surgery. Gynaecologists are exposed to a range of electrosurgical devices, from handheld monopolar pencils at the time of our first caesarean sections, to advanced bipolar and ultrasonic devices in complex laparoscopy. Frequently our knowledge regarding the strengths and limitations of an individual device is based on hearsay and necessarily limited personal use. Therefore an understanding of the properties and limitations of the different energy sources is fundamental to safe surgical practice, and to deciding which device suits us and the case at hand. This talk will address the principals of electrosurgery, review some of the common devices available, and discuss where any of us can go wrong in our efforts to avoid blood and blame.