EXHIBIT 5

                                                     July  23, 1998


General Electric Company
3135 Easton Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06431

RE: OPINION OF COUNSEL

         This opinion is furnished in connection with the registration by
General Electric Company (the "Company") pursuant to a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"), of an aggregate of 50,000 shares of Common Stock,
$0.16 par value (the "Shares"), which are to be offered and sold by the Company
through the GE Stock-Based Compensation and Incentive Plan for Independent
Consultants, Advisors and Independent Contractors (the "Plan").

         As Corporate Counsel of the Company, I am of the opinion, based upon my
familiarity with the affairs of the Company and upon my examination of the law
and pertinent documents, that the Shares, when issued and sold pursuant to the
Plan, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common
Stock of the Company.

         I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement with respect to the Shares under the 1933 Act.


                                                     Very truly yours,



                                                     Robert E. Healing