Various embodiments include an actuator comprising: a power supply connection; a processor for controlling and monitoring the actuator; a peripheral unit with power consumers; and a connection socket connected to a serial interface of the processor. The processor receives primary configuration data from an operating device connected to the connection socket and/or sends secondary configuration data and/or diagnostic data to the operating device. A respective current fed in externally feeds exclusively into a common connection. There is a voltage regulator for supplying power to the processor and a switch configured to be activated by the processor for supplying power to the peripheral unit, both connected downstream of the common connection. The processor activates the switch to close only if the voltage detected at a feed-in point of the power supply connection exceeds a first limit or if the voltage detected at the common connection exceeds a second limit.