Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally controlled, electrical switching device 1, which displays a bimetal element 2, an adjustment apparatus 3, and a switch-contact apparatus 6, which, on the one hand, can be adjusted by means of the bimetal element, and on the other hand, with respect to its switching point, works in conjunction with the adjustment apparatus 3. The fixed end 7 of the bimetal element 2, a fastening end 8 of the switch-contact apparatus 6, a support element 9 for the adjustment apparatus 3, and connection contact lugs 10, 11 are arranged on a carrier device 12. In order to improves the switching device 1 with respect to its mechanical characteristics and with respect to the necessary individual parts, the carrier device 12 consists of a single-piece holding block 13, formed of insulating material, with a number of essentially parallel-running reception slots 14, into which can be inserted the individual parts held by the carrier device 12, i.e.