an operating device for an electrical appliance with a control panel has a control element for operation through rotary actuation arranged in the control panel , said control element being disposed and mounted in a receptacle behind the control panel . the receptacle has light - conducting and / or light transmitting material in the manner of a light guide , and is illuminated through an led at a posterior end facing away from the control panel and with light apertures provided at another anterior end on the control panel around the control element extending forwardly beyond the control panel .