QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Magnetek, Inc. for the registration of 1,801,900 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated August 20, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Magnetek, Inc., included or incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Woodland Hills, California
May 19, 2004
QuickLinks
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS