Objective The leakage current hazard and leakage current risk management of medical electrical equipment are discussed according to the requirements of the 3rd edition of IEC60601-1 for the application of medical electrical equipment leakage current risk management process for reference. Methods Firstly, general requirements for leakage current of medical electrical equipment are described and the leakage current hazards are analyzed, then medical electrical equipment leakage current risk management process is illustrated according to ISO14971:2007, IEC60601-1 3rd edition and other standards. Results Medical electrical equipment leakage current risk management is an important aspect of medical electrical equipment risk management. The systematic application of leakage current risk management process to medical electrical equipment can reduce the risk. Conclusions Medical electrical equipment meeting IEC60601-1 3rd edition requirements means that the manufacturers have applied the risk management process according with ISO14971 requirements. The general requirements for safety standard of medical electrical equipment in China are 10 years behind those in the developed countries.It is an urgent matter to make the IEC60601-1 3rd edition as a mandatory national standard.