Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun having an electrode for applying an electrostatic charge to coating material. A lever is provided for controlling both the flow of material from the spray gun as well as the position of a first magnet. The first magnet, in turn, controls a first magnetically actuatable electric switch for connecting and disconnecting a high voltage to the electrode. A second magnetically actuatable electric switch, controlled by the position of a second magnet, is electrically connected in series with the first switch, so that the high voltage can be disconnected from the electrode regardless of the position of the actuating lever. The spray gun can therefore be operated with or without the application of an electrostatic charge to the coating material.