The invention relates to a switching device for the manual drive of an electromotive actuator for the control of fittings. In order to connect the manual drive by means of few components, whilst ensuring a simple design, the operative connection between the drive motor and the power take-off being maintained during manual drive, a drive shaft stub of the axially fixed drive shaft is equipped with a radial coupling pin. The handwheel shaft is mounted axially displaceably and in alignment with the drive shaft. That end of the handwheel shaft which is located opposite the handwheel is equipped with a coupling sleeve displaceable axially counter to the force of a compression spring. That end of the coupling sleeve which faces the drive shaft has a groove, the entrance of which is widened on both sides by means of run-on slopes. The manual drive has means for operating an electric switch which is arranged in the circuit of the drive motor and which is closed in the state of rest of the manual drive and is open when the handwheel shaft is engaged.