In an actuating element for inserting and removing a flat module (2) by leverage, having an end element (1) prepared for connection with a flat module (2), and an actuating lever (4) rotatably seated on the end element (1) and having a handle element (5), a locking element (6) which can be adjusted between at least two switched positions (A, B) and which in a first switched position (A) maintains the actuating lever (4) in a first position which corresponds to a levered-in state of the flat module (2) and which releases the actuating lever (4) in a second switched position (B), the improvement comprising:
- the actuating element having a positioning element (25) actuated in the first switched position (A) of the locking element (6), and the locking element (6) displaceable into a third switched position (C) in which the actuating lever (4) is maintained in the first position corresponding to a levered-in state of the flat module (2) and in which the positioning element (25) is relieved.