40
                                                                              
                                                                EXHIBIT 23
                                                                ----------

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of 
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. on Form S-8 (file numbers 33-35958, 33-35960, 33-
35962, 33-38200, 333-01957 and 333-01959) of our report dated January 28, 1999 
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. for 
the year ended January 2, 1999.


 /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 1, 1999