SWITCHING DEVICE

A compact control device for failsafely controlling an electrical actuator capable of moving a movable machine part into a defined end position, has an input connection for receiving an external control signal representing a desired position of the machine part. The compact control device further has an input part for detecting a position signal, which signals an actual position of the machine part at the defined end position. A power section comprises a power switching element for switching on and failsafely switching off a control current for the actuator that is supplied to the electrical actuator via a first output connection. The compact control device has a second output connection for providing an external status signal and an evaluation unit which actuates the power switching element depending on the external control signal and generates the external status signal at the second output connection depending on the position signal.